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Kuala
Lumpur: A Malaysian Muslim
woman was crowned the best preacher in a televised Islamic reality
TV show that aims to change conservative mindsets on the role of
women in Muslim societies, passing tests on lecturing as well as
renovating mosques.
The 13-episode primetime program titled “Solehah,” an Arabic word
meaning “pious female,” judged young Muslim women on their
religious knowledge, oratory skills and personality.
The show followed on the heels of the hit Islamic-themed show
“Imam Muda,” or Young Imam, which has taken place on a rival TV
station to seek the best Imam, or male Muslim leader.
From auditions in June that drew at least 600 Muslim women aged
between 20 to 30, the program whittled them down to 10 finalists
for the final broadcast in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur
on Friday.
Clad in colorful traditional Malay clothing with headscarves, the
10 took turns presenting Islamic teachings on moral values on a
stage whose magenta lights at times seemed more suited to a song
contest.
They were judged on their ability to “da’wah” (an Arabic word
meaning to spread Islam). In practice, it means delivering
religious lectures to Muslims to encourage them to be better
Muslims.
The judges, also women, occasionally were so moved that they wiped
away tears, as did women in the audience.
The contestants were also tested on their ability to complete
various tasks, such as helping orphans and renovating a rundown
mosque.
The winner was 25-year-old Amie Sofia Ahmad, an Egyptian-trained
Qur’anic studies graduate, the announcement of her victory greeted
by a rain of confetti as she and two other finalists embraced.
She said she hoped her win would help widen the acceptance of
women preachers in society and encourage more women to join the
field.
“We will try slowly ... We will try to change (people’s ideas)
without going against Islamic laws,” the serious-looking young
woman, her head covered with a yellow scarf, told Reuters.
“It may not happen immediately, but eventually it will come, God
willing.”
She won a certificate, a pilgrimage trip to Makkah, $10,000 and a
car.
Haji Bukhari Che Muda, the chief executive of TV AlHijrah, the
cable television station that produced the program, said the show
had hit its aim of providing Islamic knowledge to audiences from
all walks of life.
“People now understand what is the meaning of da’wah, what is the
meaning of Islam,” he said.
The station said it is considering running another season of the
show, this time including foreign contenders as well.
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