The Search for a Young Imam Begins Now: Imam Muda and Civilizational Islam in Malaysia
Publication Date
4-17-2018
Document Type
Book Chapter
Organizational Units
College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences, Religious Studies
Keywords
Islamic studies, Reality television, Religion in television, Social influence
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.” .
Copyright Date
4-17-2018
Copyright Statement / License for Reuse
All Rights Reserved.
Rights Holder
Andrea L. Stanton
Provenance
Received from author
Language
English (eng)
Extent
13 pgs
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.
Recommended Citation
Stanton, A. L. (2018). The search for a young imam begins now: Imam muda and civilizational Islam in Malaysia. In Mara Einstein, Katherine Madden, & Diane Winston (Eds.), Religion and Reality TV: Faith in Late Capitalism (pp. 176-188). New York: Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315545950
ISBN
9781138681279, 9781315545950, 9781138681286