Most of our dramas follow Islamic boundaries: Hamza

Actor talks moral code in showbiz

In an interview with Adnan Faisal, Hamza Ali Abbasi spoke up about whether he believes his craft contradicts his religious practices or not. He began by clarifying that he follows the Islamic interpretation that accounts for boundaries in every profession, even if it lies within showbiz.

"They are acceptable under the set boundaries of virtue," he said. "Post 2017 and 2018, I have become a fully practising Muslim who believes that men and women can work together if they do so in obedience to a certain moral code. That includes acting. ... So I make sure that whatever project I sign on, it is within that moral boundary."

Hamza added that God has distinctly listed down certain rules that every Muslim must follow. "Firstly, God says that He has forbidden unchastity, obscenity, and shamelessness, whether they are done openly or in private. Secondly, God disapproves of taking away someone's rights. Thirdly, He says that He has forbidden unlawful damage against someone's life, property, and honour."

According to Hamza, the fourth pointer states that God doesn't allow polytheism, and the fifth one warns against lying. "God has not allowed these five things. If they are present in any art form, it will be unlawful as per religion."

The Alif actor gave the example of rap lyrics, which he believes boast these unlawful traits, including a heightened sense of pride. "They talk about things like, 'I won't leave you alone. I'll deal with you. I'll destroy everything.' Now, this is haraam."

Modest entertainment

In contrast, Hamza said that even something as intimate as romance can be modestly portrayed. "If the lyrics have romance but nothing indecent then that is acceptable."

Similarly, the Mann Mayal actor believes that if there is a script that mentions obscenity and violation of rights, and glorifies unlawful violence, it would be subject to the same rules. "But no, our dramas are mostly going well," he pointed out. "There's nothing un-Islamic about mother-in-law and daughter-in-law fights."

Countering another example, he stated that even if drama serials are showing love affairs, they are depicting them in a negative light. "At least you're not trying to justify it. As long as you're portraying wrong as wrong, and in doing so are not showing an immodest touch or clothing, then it's all good. What's the problem?"

Hamza added that it's not difficult to abide by these rules. "In fact, most of the people we see on our screens are wearing the right kind of clothing. There are no issues there since these people are wearing our traditional clothes and they've covered up their private parts. These are all simple instructions. What's complicated here?" he posed.

"Most of them are following this and to a great extent," he acknowledged, adding that minus a few exceptions, TV dramas have been doing well in the way of following religious guidelines.

"In films, however, this boundary is easy to cross," he admitted, though he's not opposed to the idea of accepting a script that aligns with his beliefs. "You can even show romance, as long as you keep it within those moral boundaries. I always give the examples of dramas from the 1990s. Take Waris, Hawain, and Alpha Bravo Charlie. Romance was present in all of these but within strict boundaries. There was nothing immodest there."

Hamza said that he can't speak for others, but this is how he wishes to expand his career as an actor. "For example, I'm working on a film based on Abdul Khaliq, who was an athlete in the 1970s," he revealed. "Now, obviously, he must've fallen in love with a woman and gotten married. Of course we'll have to show that since the movie is based on his life, but in a decent manner."

He added, "You must work within reasonable boundaries, but you can't dictate someone else's life. Still, I can clarify my own boundaries."