Doha: Writers and academics have affirmed that the biographies of prominent and brilliant figures in Arab and Islamic history serve as a vital source for literary and dramatic creativity, as well as a spiritual model. They emphasized that these biographies and characters are treasures of the nation, continually renewed through reflection and inspiration.
According to Qatar News Agency, the writers and academics underscored the importance of the experiences, symbols, and meanings that shaped the legacy and brilliance of these individuals and their role in strengthening the sense of belonging to the nation. Professor of Acting and Directing at Community College of Qatar (CCQ) Dr. Saad Burshaid highlighted the support of Qatar’s institutions concerned with cultural and religious matters. He pointed out Qatar Television’s long-standing celebration of Arab and Islamic culture through various dramatic works, in addition to shedding light on prominent figures in Islamic history, showcasing their impact on promoting
Islamic values and spreading awareness about them.
Dr. Burshaid clarified that most of these works draw inspiration from the lives of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) companions, the Rightly Guided Caliphs, major Islamic battles, and conquests, as well as significant periods of state-building in Islamic history. This also includes the lives of renowned imams. He noted the creative vision and the distinctive spiritual, cultural, and religious content of the productions presented on television, which have the capacity to address audiences of all generations effectively. Consequently, these works have garnered local and regional awards at prestigious international festivals and competitions, including the Arab Festival for Radio and Television, organized by the Arab States Broadcasting Union, and the Gulf Festival for Radio and Television. Among these works are the series “Al Imam,” which dramatizes significant events in Islamic history through the life of Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, and the series “Al Qa’
qaa Ibn Amr Al Tamimi.” Dr. Burshaid further emphasized that one of the most prominent examples of drawing inspiration from Islamic genius and historical icons in dramatic works is the series “Omar,” which aired in 2012. It was a joint production between the Qatar Media Corporation (QMC) and the Middle East Broadcasting Center (MBC), written by Walid Saif and directed by Hatem Ali.
The series portrays the life of the second Caliph of Islam, Umar Ibn Al Khattab, exploring his personality, qualities, and the events and battles during his life. He highlighted that the events and historical details in the series were reviewed by a Sharia committee comprising several scholars of Islamic jurisprudence, biography, and history, led by the late Sheikh Yusuf Al Qaradawi. He added that the series has been translated into over 30 languages, marking a significant achievement for Qatar Television. The series was watched by millions worldwide, serving as both an exceptional creative and educational endeavor for Muslims aro
und the world. It has since become an academic material studied by high school and university students.
Dr. Burshaid called for enriching Qatari and Arab dramatic experiences further by drawing inspiration from the nation’s historical icons and influential figures. He stressed the importance of strengthening Arab-Islamic culture through inspiring models in literature, arts, and drama. On a similar note, Iraqi writer and academic and Professor of Creed and Dawah at the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies at Qatar University Dr. Mohammed Ayash Al Kubaisi emphasized in his statement to QNA the necessity of invoking historical figures and recalling them in education, literature, media, and arts to enhance the sense of belonging to the Arab and Islamic nation.
He noted that this invocation and remembrance relate to major issues within the current reality and future of the nation and align with its aspirations for progress and revival. These figures, he said, are part of the nation’s identity, representing its
ambitions and status. When we recall the lives of the Prophet’s companions, we are not merely revisiting history but a history deeply tied to the formation, expansion, and accomplishments of this nation in science, civilization, giving, strength, and dignity. Dr. Al Kubaisi stated that when we recount the lives of leaders such as Khalid Ibn Al Walid, Saad Ibn Abi Waqqas, Abu Ubaidah Ibn Al Jarrah, or later figures like Tariq ibn Ziyad and Salahuddin Al-Ayyubi, we revive the sense of belonging to this nation. He added that when we recall the biographies of imams and scholars such as Abu Hanifa, Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, Imam Al Bukhari, or Ibn Khaldun, we present examples of individuals who encapsulate values like honesty, generosity, knowledge, and dedication in their symbolic dimensions.
He stressed that when we study the life of a scholar and their contributions, we provide a model rich with values that emphasize the importance of knowledge and its place. He also noted that pre-Islamic Arabs invoked the legacy of
prominent figures as an educational tool, mentioning personalities like Hatim Al Tai for generosity, Antarah Ibn Shaddad for courage, and Imru’ Al Qais for poetry and eloquence. He described the invocation and inspiration of these great figures and symbols, which encapsulate the sense of belonging to the nation and embody the noble values that we aim to instill in the minds, souls, and hearts of our children and future generations, as a responsibility that must be upheld in education, knowledge, upbringing, family life, schools, and society.
He added that these figures should also be invoked through media and artistic works, including drama, theater, songs, and poetry.