Faysal Quraishi Wants You to Stop Criticising Actors for Hosting Ramadan Transmissions

In Pakistan, Ramadan transmissions have become a staple of the holy month, offering a mix of religious discussions, and community engagement.

It's a tradition that's eagerly anticipated by millions, as families gather around the television to watch these special broadcasts, which often feature religious scholars, celebrity appearances, and heartfelt discussions.

The goal is not just to keep the audience engaged, but to spread awareness about the significance of Ramadan while promoting values of compassion, charity, and spirituality.

Hosting these Ramadan transmissions is a task that has been commonly handed over to mainstream actors in recent years, with names like Danish Taimoor, Faysal Qureshi, Ahsan Khan, Omer Shahzad, and Bilal Qureshi have hosted shows in the past and present.

Faysal Quraishi, in particular, has become a prominent face during Ramadan, hosting a transmission on one of the major entertainment channels. His show brings together religious figures, celebrities, and children, fostering an environment where viewers can reflect on the spiritual essence of the month.

However, the involvement of actors in Ramadan transmissions has sparked some criticism.

There are voices in the public who argue that these actors, despite their popularity and skill in the entertainment industry, may not have the qualifications or understanding necessary to take on such a significant role, especially when it comes to discussing religion and spiritual matters.

Some viewers feel that the task should be handled exclusively by religious scholars and experts.

Faysal Quraishi, who has been hosting Ramadan transmissions for several years, recently responded to this backlash.

In his statement, he explained, “I have often heard and read that people object to actors hosting Ramadan transmissions and say, ‘Now they will teach us Islam?’ No, we do not intend to teach you the religion; we are also in our learning phase. I always strive to learn from these scholars. This is my fourth year hosting a Ramadan transmission, and I have been learning through this experience. You get to understand the purpose of life—like today, I learned from Surah Rahman how important it is to practice justice.”

While Quraishi's response emphasises that he’s not trying to impart religious teachings but is instead on a journey of learning, it's clear that the role of actors in these transmissions is not just about hosting; it’s about creating an engaging platform for discussions that go beyond mere entertainment.

The hosts often serve as a bridge between the audience and the religious scholars, helping to communicate the messages of Ramadan in an accessible and relatable way.

The cultural significance of Ramadan transmissions in Pakistan cannot be overstated. These shows are not only an opportunity to learn more about Islam but also serve as a source of community bonding.

In response to the criticisms, Faysal Quraishi's stance is clear—hosting a Ramadan transmission is a learning process, not an attempt to “teach” Islam.

Perhaps, rather than focusing on the credentials of the hosts, the real value lies in the opportunity to engage with the deeper meaning of Ramadan, regardless of who is facilitating the conversation.