The Search for a Young Imam Begins Now: Imam Muda and Civilizational Islam in Malaysia
Publication Date
2018
Document Type
Book Chapter
Keywords
Reality television, Religion in television
Abstract
In May 2010, Malay-speaking viewers in Southeast Asia began tuning in to a new kind of reality television - a contest-based talent show, like many on air in the region, but with a twist. The first episode opened with an evening shot of a graceful mosque, then panned down to the courtyard, where a man in a grey suit, turquoise dress shirt, black tie and black songkok (a Malaysian man’s hat that appears similar to a tarboosh) emerged. “Salaam `aleikum,” he greeted viewers, saying that “for the first time in our broadcasting history,” viewers would see the first show “in the world” aimed at finding a man of authority, integrity, and credibility who could serve as “imam muda,” a young imam. Stressing that the man selected would be “versatile and relevant to the community,” he emphasized that viewers would be witnesses to this process, and concluded: “The search for a young imam begins now.” .
Publication Statement
Copyright held by the author or publisher.
Recommended Citation
Stanton, A. L. (2018). The Search for a Young Imam Begins Now: Imam Muda and Civilizational Islam in Malaysia. In M. Einstein, K. Madden, & D. Winston (Eds.), Religion and Reality TV: Faith in Late Capitalism, pp. 176-188. New York, NY: Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315545950