Four local women have captured the hearts and minds of their audience on air, with a documentary on the plight of Syrians, who suffer under harsh conditions, being ostracised by their own government. There is always a need for awareness, with regard to the flagrant violation of humanitarian rights, be it closer to home or abroad. The writer of the documentary, Zakira Bhika, told the Laudium Sun, “Syria is one such case that has seen major atrocities befallen upon her people. We all at some stage need to perceive, to feel, to be cognizant of all the events that are unfolding towards a people that are utterly helpless. We, as South African Muslims, are really comfortable and blessed. We have freedom beyond our imagination. We are at liberty to pray and practice our religion without fear. We have the luxury to partake in opulent and extravagant suhoors and iftaars. In this glorious month of Ramadaan, let us take a moment to consider our brothers and sisters in Syria, who are ostracized by their own government. Imagine what a suhoor or iftaar is like for those living in a country where their own government is killing and bombing them. Why are Syrians not at liberty to practice Islam peacefully and experience the glorious month of Ramadaan as it's supposed to be observed?”
Written by Zakira Bhika for Channel Islam International, Kulluna Qisas is a documentary drama about the people of Syria who have been so severely dehumanized. Zakira elaborated, “The purpose of the documentary is to give the Syrian people a voice, a hearing, calling them by their names and give them a sense of belonging once again. The drama is highly emotional and truly tear-jerking at times, but there's no better time for us to be taking stock of our lives than during Ramadaan. The documentary gives us an opportunity to reflect and to feel for the people that are so unfortunate and in turn get closer to our Creator."
Zakira continued, "The story within the story is aimed at us Muslim women, to be empowered. We were once stereotyped as being uneducated or subservient to a man, a husband, a brother, a son. This paradigm has shifted... We are now being stigmatized as being vain, about false eye lashes, highlighting and contouring, matte lipsticks and branded abayas. With or without any of this vanity we can bring about change.
We can be active participants in grassroots organizations, relief efforts, charitable associations and social services. We have the tenacity to embrace these rights and to fulfill these duties with due diligence. All women have already changed the world with their own sense of compassion and courage. Many women have overcome adversity and broken through several barriers, while facing innumerable challenges and injustices."
The writer of the documentary added "Kulluna Qisas further encourages women to be as fearless as the women we were taught about in Islam. As committed and audacious as Ayesha R.A, Khadija R.A, Fatima R.A and Mariam R.A. It is important to stand strong when all else seems lost".
The all female cast of Kulluna Qisas, Anisa Ahmed, Farhana Lambat and Rashida Vahed have portrayed their characters with strength and diligence.
These ladies have shown the true power of a woman by giving their time and effort to help carry a deep message across.
"Kulluna Qisas is a story that should bring out the humanity in one and all, just by listening to the heartbreaking story of someone...somewhere."
Humanitarian activists: (Front) Zakira Bhika of Van Dyk Street, Erasmia; (Back) Farhana Lambat of Verster Street, Erasmia; Anisa Ahmed of Lorentz Street, Eldoraigne and Rashida Vahed of Van Melle Street, Erasmia.
