Hot Conflict

Sunnah Series pt 4 - Umar ibn al-Khattaab Clear Proof of Islam's Truth

What is the Clear Proof?

“Al-'Irbaad ibn Saariyah, reports that the Prophet said, "I have left you upon clear guidance. Its night is like its day. No one deviates from it after me except that he is destroyed." Reported by Ahmad, Ibn Maajah.”

"Abdullaah ibn Mas'ood radiallaahu 'anhu, said, "Follow and do not innovate, for you have been given that which is sufficient and every innovation is misguidance."

(Reported by Abu Khaithamah in Kitaab Ul-'Ilm)

The Sunnah Series - Point 4

“Umar ibn al-Khattaab, rahimahullaah, said, "There is no excuse for anyone going astray thinking that he is upon guidance. Nor for abandoning guidance thinking it to be misguidance, since the affairs have been made clear, the proof established and the excuse cut off." That is because the Sunnah and the Jamaa'ah have consolidated and safeguarded all of the Religion. It has been made clear to the people, so it is upon the people to comply and follow.”

Traditional Creed Way Path of the Prophet Muhammad.
(peace and blessing be upon him)

This Video blog Series will go through the book of Imam Al Barbahaari.

The Sunnah - Explanation of the Creed

"Al-Barbaharee was a Sunni Islamic theologian from Iraq. In the midst of growing innovations and heresies, he was widely known for being severely harsh against the people of innovations or bidah. His books are peppered with stinging remarks that place the Shias, Qadaris, Mu'tazilis and Asharis in an extremely negative light. His concern for preserving the Sunnah, lead him to become increasingly outspoken in his later years, and ultimately led him in trouble with the authorities. He is often remembered by Salafi Sunnis as a staunch defender of Tawheed, and as one who passionately advocated that the viewpoint of the Sahaba or the companions of Muhammad, are a decisive authority when interpreting texts rather than contemporary laymen." (Wikipedia)

Alternate Spellings: Imam Barbahari Barbahaari

Sunnah Series - Introduction

Point 1. Islam is the Sunah Establish the Faith Creed

Point 2. Hold On Clinging to the Jamaa'ah Group Faithful

Need a Speaker for your group or organization conferences.

Please check out our other series of articles.

Alternative Careers for Muslims To Stop Terror and Win the War of Ideology in Islam

Using Technology Internet Social Networks Trends To Understand People, the World

Muslim Call In Radio Show. 11 PM central / 9 PM PST

HotConflict Radio Show Schedule

Monday : Pop-Culture.

Thursday : Supernatural, Evil, Demons and the Spiritual.

To get Live on the Air call:

310-984-7600 or 631-247-9003

Code # 232885

Listen to our Past Shows: Archive of HotConflict Radio Podcasts

Saleem Siddiqui is a Political Commentator, Public Speaker, Actor and Consultant. He is a trained Mediation and Conflict Resolution Specialist. He conducts sermons and training for various religious and Nonprofit organizations. Working with effort to increase Muslim and Islamic awareness in Communications, Public Relations (PR), Public Speaking, Political Strategy, Media, Marketing, and many  other fields as they relate to the integration of Muslims in the United States of America and around the world.

Saleem Siddiqui has undergrad degrees in Arabic and religion from the Middle East and attended Law School in Houston,Texas. He has consulted with the FBI and testified on behalf of the District Attorney of Virginia on cases relating to National Security and “The War on Terror”.

The Proposal: How We Stop the War on Terror with Islam. Part 1

How to Stop the War on Terror Series

The Goal

Everyday there is a story about Islam and the Muslim community. All over the country and the world there are stories breaking everyday. Yet the overall Muslim community in the United States is extremely lacking in representatives who can communicate their views in a coherent and meaningful way. The best way for integration and change to occur is for Muslims to be active from within their own community to better portray and explain their views and opinions.

The goal: to find alternative ways to communicate and increase the diversity of opinions available by networking of individuals in the United States and elsewhere that can be trained and organized to be effective communicators for the Muslim world.

Implementation Areas

Viral Internet Content:

With the changes in technology it is becoming increasingly clear that more and more people are getting their opinions, and forming their religious and political views from the content on the internet. Even though many people still go and sit with a local Sheikh or Imam, the next generation of Muslims is getting a lot of their information from online content. Even amongst “radicals” or “extremists” as the terms may apply, the content they are viewing is online. Many times there is no direct content between those that react violently and any other organizations or Terrorist entities. Therefore, the necessity to provide positive alternative content, both audio and video, to help diversify the online Islamic content, is clear.

The Friday Khutbah (Sermon)

The key to change in any Muslim community is a better message from the pulpit on Friday. The position of the sermon in Islam is highly respected. The stature of the person who is able to command the pulpit is paramount. Generally speaking those that promote an integration model are considered by most, to be non-practicing or not authorities in religious matters and unworthy of the pulpit. Creating a new generation of Speakers that are qualified religiously to give a sermon and can be taken as authority from the community are the keys to changing the message the community hears.

Public Relations (PR) and the Media

Currently there are only a few organizations that are able to handle themselves with the Media and who can appear relevant as subject matter experts in the US Muslim community. There is a need to organize and develop individuals who can appear as experts in various fields. Daily there is a need for guests on TV for commenting on news stories. There are radio stations talking about Islam from both the left and the right, generally without any contribution form the Muslim community. Many organizations are looking for these Muslim individuals from Think Tanks, and expert witnesses for court, to poets and artists for entertainment.

Community Services

The Muslim community all across the country is in need of services. By helping individuals on a community level to better themselves you create and foster an environment of positive social change. There is a need to provide conflict resolution services for the community. Mediation of disputes, pre-marital and marital counseling, divorce prevention and support, youth leadership and entrepreneurship are just a few. By providing services and training we help alleviate the stresses of life for the community. People who are actively involved in self improvement do not resort to acts of desperation.

Concerns

The issue of concern is always what form of Islam is going to be promoted. There is a general misunderstanding amongst many people in the United States that there are forms of Islam. How do you stop the radicals from spreading their message? You can not control the information available. The best way is to develop a better message and provide more services. To spread many different opinions from various people and let the value of the content drive the information. By promoting alternative forms of information and content you provide the opportunity for young and old to have grater choice in what they chose to adhere to. Freedom of Speech. Freedom of Press. Freedom Religion. This is the American method, with the belief that if many alternatives are available, the messages of the extremists hurting Islam will be diluted.

How to Stop the War on Terror Series

The Proposal: How We Stop the War on Terror with Islam. Part 1

Social Networks and Viral Internet to End the War on Terror. Part 2

Friday Khutbah Sermons to Stop The War on Terror in Islam. Part 3.

Media and Publict Relations PR to Stop the War on Terror in Islam. Part 4.

Community Service for Muslims to Change the Ideology of the Next Generation with Islam. Part 5.

Download The Proposal

 Please check out our other series of articles.

Alternative Careers for Muslims To Stop Terror and Win the War of Ideology in Islam

Using Technology Internet Social Networks Trends To Understand People, the World

Saleem Siddiqui is a Political Commentator, Public Speaker, Actor and Consultant. He is a trained Mediation and Conflict Resolution Specialist. He conducts sermons and training for various religious and Nonprofit organizations. Working with effort to increase Muslim and Islamic awareness in Communications, Public Relations (PR), Public Speaking, Political Strategy, Media, Marketing, and many  other fields as they relate to the integration of Muslims in the United States of America and around the world.

Saleem Siddiqui has undergrad degrees in Arabic and religion from the Middle East and attended Law School in Houston,Texas. He has consulted with the FBI and testified on behalf of the District Attorney of Virginia on cases relating to National Security and “The War on Terror”.

Muslim Nightly Call In Radio Show.

Listen to our Past Shows: Archive of HotConflict Radio Podcast

Social Networks and Viral Internet to End the War on Terror. Part 2

This is part of the How to Stop the War on Terror Series

Implementation Areas

 

Viral Internet Content

Currently there are not many organizations or individuals creating alternative content online for the Muslim community. There is a need to produce content. From infotainment mainstream programming to political commentary and comedy, we need to broaden the horizons of Muslim awareness. Recently CBC in Canada has just produced and run a show about Muslim issues. The show, Little Mosque on the Prairie, by Zarka Nawaz has gotten a lot of viewers and has been picked up for another season.

Current Projects

1. Zaynab TV

Zaynab TV is an online viral programming show that will be created to deal with real life issues being faced by mainstream Muslims in America. This will be the initial project and will generate a lot of viral support. The viral internet content will generate networks of fans and viewers in the United States and around the world. This can then become a catalyst for other content to be created.

Currently the project is in need of funding. The producers and writers are already on board and the first four episodes are written. Sample trailers have been made and can be viewed on line. The model for this project is similar to that of PromQueen TV.

Zaynab TV Series Trailer

2. HotConflict.com

This an online audio and video blog dealing with the News, Pop-culture and Politics from a Muslim point of view. The key to this content is to be like a shock jock alternative commentator of current events.

www.HotConflict.com

Other audio and video content would need to be further developed. Another example of content currently being created out of Australia is Salam Café. A panel talk show format similar to many here in the west like The View, where Muslims talk about various issues, is something yet to be developed in the United States.

http://www.salamcafe.com.au/

How to Stop the War on Terror Series

The Proposal: How We Stop the War on Terror with Islam. Part 1

Social Networks and Viral Internet to End the War on Terror. Part 2

Friday Khutbah Sermons to Stop The War on Terror in Islam. Part 3.

Media and Publict Relations PR to Stop the War on Terror in Islam. Part 4.

Community Service for Muslims to Change the Ideology of the Next Generation with Islam. Part 5.

Download The Proposal

 Please check out our other series of articles.

Alternative Careers for Muslims To Stop Terror and Win the War of Ideology in Islam

Using Technology Internet Social Networks Trends To Understand People, the World

Saleem Siddiqui is a Political Commentator, Public Speaker, Actor and Consultant. He is a trained Mediation and Conflict Resolution Specialist. He conducts sermons and training for various religious and Nonprofit organizations. Working with effort to increase Muslim and Islamic awareness in Communications, Public Relations (PR), Public Speaking, Political Strategy, Media, Marketing, and many  other fields as they relate to the integration of Muslims in the United States of America and around the world.

Saleem Siddiqui has undergrad degrees in Arabic and religion from the Middle East and attended Law School in Houston,Texas. He has consulted with the FBI and testified on behalf of the District Attorney of Virginia on cases relating to National Security and “The War on Terror”.

Muslim Nightly Call In Radio Show.

Listen to our Past Shows: Archive of HotConflict Radio Podcast

Friday Khutbah Sermons, Public Speakers to Stop the War on Terror. Part 3.

How to Stop the War on Terror Series

Friday Sermon Tour

The key to change in any Muslim community is a better message from the pulpit on Friday. The position of the sermon in Islam is highly respected. The stature of the person who is able to command the pulpit is paramount. Generally speaking those that promote an integration model are considered by most, to be non-practicing or not authorities in religious matters and unworthy of the pulpit. Creating a new generation of Speakers that are qualified religiously to give a sermon and can be taken as authority from the community are the keys to changing the message the community hears.

1. Friday Sermons

Start conducting sermons and promoting positive social change from the pulpit. The Khutbah Tour will be conducted by trained speakers who can deliver a positive message and promote Islamic values. These sermons will be geared towards getting community involvement in all aspects of integration into society. This message has to be Islamically based and focus on active participation, delivered with subtlety of a master!

1. National Tour

The Tour will be combined with other promotional events in major cities across the United States. This will cross promote the concepts in person with the viral internet content. Fans of the various websites will be able to meet those involved with the Zaynab TV show and producers of HotConflict.com.

Initial plan is for 12-15 cities to be included in the Tour in the first year.

3. Lecture Series

Friday nights in the Masjid are usually a gathering night for the community. Families come to listen to guest lecturers and possibly share meals with family and friends. This will be incorporated as a part of the tour and the Guest speaker will conduct a lecture on positive social change and identify leaders and begin the process of creating a network of positive change agents in each individual community.

4. Audio and Video content

The Sermon and Lectures will be recorded and available to be streamed on iPods for users as well as being available to listen and watch anytime online. There will also be interviews and commentary by community members all over the country to be added to online content as testimonials.

 

How to Stop the War on Terror Series

The Proposal: How We Stop the War on Terror with Islam. Part 1

Social Networks and Viral Internet to End the War on Terror. Part 2

Friday Khutbah Sermons to Stop The War on Terror in Islam. Part 3.

Media and Publict Relations PR to Stop the War on Terror in Islam. Part 4.

Community Service for Muslims to Change the Ideology of the Next Generation with Islam. Part 5.

Download The Proposal

 Please check out our other series of articles.

Alternative Careers for Muslims To Stop Terror and Win the War of Ideology in Islam

Using Technology Internet Social Networks Trends To Understand People, the World

Saleem Siddiqui is a Political Commentator, Public Speaker, Actor and Consultant. He is a trained Mediation and Conflict Resolution Specialist. He conducts sermons and training for various religious and Nonprofit organizations. Working with effort to increase Muslim and Islamic awareness in Communications, Public Relations (PR), Public Speaking, Political Strategy, Media, Marketing, and many  other fields as they relate to the integration of Muslims in the United States of America and around the world.

Saleem Siddiqui has undergrad degrees in Arabic and religion from the Middle East and attended Law School in Houston,Texas. He has consulted with the FBI and testified on behalf of the District Attorney of Virginia on cases relating to National Security and “The War on Terror”.

Muslim Nightly Call In Radio Show.

Listen to our Past Shows: Archive of HotConflict Radio Podcast

Media and Public Relations PR to Stop the War on Terror in Islam. Part 4.

How to Stop the War on Terror Series

Public Relations and the Media

 

The key to changing the communications environment is not merely to identify the right individuals, but to help brand and promote them in their respected fields. It is important for the Muslim community to develop role models. These have to be individuals that are experienced in their area and actively participating in social change. Many times, there are great individuals with personality and talent available, but they lack infrastructure, organization, and funding, to market themselves correctly.

 

With correct branding and internet marketing, we can help promote these individuals and allow them the opportunity to become well know subject matter experts in their respected fields.

 

1. Making sure that the individuals are encouraged to Publish, will mean a combination of efforts.

-Publishing a blog or articles online in their area of focus.

-Access to ghost writers and publicity professionals and agents for Books.

-Submitting articles to trade journals and magazines.

-Create the genre of religious fiction and comics or Manga content.

 

2. Marketing experts to appear on Radio spots across the country. Talk radio is still a mainstay for the general public. There is a need for Muslim expert opinions who can communicate clearly over the air.

 

3. Preparing individuals to appear on TV. From large mainstream TV shows in syndication to little local community based talk shows. Scheduling and preparing individuals to present Islam and discuss the issues, while making them presentable for the audience.

 

4. Generating an online community by conducting Tele Seminars. With the advancement of technology, you can hold group discussing and seminars live online with teleconferencing and web seminars. This system has become very popular in recent years with networking organizations and network marketing. People will be able to ask questions and the barrier to entry is extremely easy. By holding these sessions online and on the phone, there is ease for the audience to listen and get involved from the comfort of their homes.

 

5. Individuals will be marketed as Subject Matter Experts for conferences, organizations, and other affiliated NGO’s. These will be people who can give academic lectures and appear as expert witnesses for the legal system and the courts. They will also form relationships with the local government and activist groups to help get the Muslim community involved in the public discourse.

How to Stop the War on Terror Series

The Proposal: How We Stop the War on Terror with Islam. Part 1

Social Networks and Viral Internet to End the War on Terror. Part 2

Friday Khutbah Sermons to Stop The War on Terror in Islam. Part 3.

Media and Publict Relations PR to Stop the War on Terror in Islam. Part 4.

Community Service for Muslims to Change the Ideology of the Next Generation with Islam. Part 5.

Download The Proposal

 Please check out our other series of articles.

Alternative Careers for Muslims To Stop Terror and Win the War of Ideology in Islam

Using Technology Internet Social Networks Trends To Understand People, the World

Saleem Siddiqui is a Political Commentator, Public Speaker, Actor and Consultant. He is a trained Mediation and Conflict Resolution Specialist. He conducts sermons and training for various religious and Nonprofit organizations. Working with effort to increase Muslim and Islamic awareness in Communications, Public Relations (PR), Public Speaking, Political Strategy, Media, Marketing, and many  other fields as they relate to the integration of Muslims in the United States of America and around the world.

Saleem Siddiqui has undergrad degrees in Arabic and religion from the Middle East and attended Law School in Houston,Texas. He has consulted with the FBI and testified on behalf of the District Attorney of Virginia on cases relating to National Security and “The War on Terror”.

Muslim Nightly Call In Radio Show.

Listen to our Past Shows: Archive of HotConflict Radio Podcast

Community Service for Muslims to Change the Ideology of the Next Generation with Islam. Part 5.

How to Stop the War on Terror Series

Community Services

There is a dire need for social services in the Muslim community. The problems relating to marriage and increase in divorce rates among Muslims is an increasing concern all over the country. Most Mosques are not equipped to handle the kind of social services the community requires. They are not trained to handle conflict or to counsel the parties involved. This is leaving many people frustrated. The lack of services in business and entrepreneurship also creates fiscal strain.

By training and providing certain key social services there will be a dramatic change in the Muslim community. It is necessary to provide the Muslim community with opportunities and access to necessary support. When a community is actively involved with their own development and is able to get more integrated into the process of change, they are less likely to feel desperate or isolated. This positive change will help stem further negative consequences, which may otherwise fester.

 

1. Mediation and Conflict Resolution

Providing mediation for conflicts amongst muslim groups in the Mosque. This will be service orientated and accessible to the community, especially in the field of marital issues.

Training local leaders in the various communities in Mediation and Conflict Resolution. This will be a series of courses both audio and video to help train local leaders to be the positive change agents in their respected communities. Designating a network of conflict resolution specialist in all the major cites across the country who are available to be involved.

 

2. Public Speaking

Training both Youth and Adult to become public speakers. This process will be designed as a Khutbah (sermon) training program. However it will be implemented in a way that is focused on communications ability and focus on deliver of information rather than content. The key is to not force content while still encouraging the topics to be geared towards implementation of positive change. Thereby avoiding any political conflicts over difference in creed or beliefs.

 

3. Marriage and Divorce Counseling

It is necessary to provide premarital advice to young Muslims to help them get on their feet in the best way. By providing a strong community that encourages healthy marriage and family relationships, to better equip couples with the troubles that naturally occur over time in any marriage. Networking the appropriate individuals in the community with access to grants and funding to provide services for the community needs. By addressing the social issues related to the community we can help avoid situations of isolation and desperation that lead to people lashing out.

How to Stop the War on Terror Series

The Proposal: How We Stop the War on Terror with Islam. Part 1

Social Networks and Viral Internet to End the War on Terror. Part 2

Friday Khutbah Sermons to Stop The War on Terror in Islam. Part 3.

Media and Publict Relations PR to Stop the War on Terror in Islam. Part 4.

Community Service for Muslims to Change the Ideology of the Next Generation with Islam. Part 5.

Download The Proposal

 Please check out our other series of articles.

Alternative Careers for Muslims To Stop Terror and Win the War of Ideology in Islam

Using Technology Internet Social Networks Trends To Understand People, the World

Saleem Siddiqui is a Political Commentator, Public Speaker, Actor and Consultant. He is a trained Mediation and Conflict Resolution Specialist. He conducts sermons and training for various religious and Nonprofit organizations. Working with effort to increase Muslim and Islamic awareness in Communications, Public Relations (PR), Public Speaking, Political Strategy, Media, Marketing, and many  other fields as they relate to the integration of Muslims in the United States of America and around the world.

Saleem Siddiqui has undergrad degrees in Arabic and religion from the Middle East and attended Law School in Houston,Texas. He has consulted with the FBI and testified on behalf of the District Attorney of Virginia on cases relating to National Security and “The War on Terror”.

Muslim Nightly Call In Radio Show.

Listen to our Past Shows: Archive of HotConflict Radio Podcast

Acting out Islam! Communication with Muslim Actors and Actresses. Part 1

About a year ago, I was at a meeting with some other Muslims. An Islamic Think Tank! We were all discussing different ways to spread the message of Islam. The conversation has been going on for many Muslims living in America in the last few years. As the events of September 11^th have made living in American more difficult for people in the Islamic community, there has been greater discussion on how to help integrate the Muslim community in the United States.

I currently give sermons in the Islamic community. As you may or may not know, there is no organized clergy in Islam. We don’t have priest or ministers. In the Muslim community the person who leads the congregation in prayer or the one who gives the Friday Khutbah (Sermon) is called an Imam. The Imam is someone who is recognized by those respected member of the society to be qualified to give the sermon and lead the prayer.

When I give the sermon, I don’t like to just give a speech. The Khutbah should be an event. It should be something that is life altering. The purpose of the sermon is to make those in the audience feel differently when they leave. Make them change the way they act or think about an issue.

During one of these community meetings, I was asked how I give the sermon because it is different than many others. One person asked if I had taken acting classes. I was confused by the question.

“What do you mean?” I asked. The person went on to suggest that when I give a Khutbah it is like the audience is seeing a performance, like they are witnessing an event. This is part of what I train young leaders to do. Make their presentation or public speaking events deep and meaningful.

Being a person who is religious, the idea of acting can be somewhat offensive. I claimed, I am not acting, I am expressing my beliefs. Acting is fake, right?!

Is acting being fake, or is it using skills that will better make your audience willing to accept the message that you are giving them? After a little more consideration and personal pondering, I realized that there may be some benefit in the concepts of training yourself to act and perform.

This series of blogs is an attempt to elucidate the ideas and thoughts of my journey into the acting fields. Discussing some of the possible problems areas, in the filed of Acting, that affects Muslims and has a negative image in Islam. Just like anything in the melting pot that is America, acting is a combination of many things. Many times Muslim Scholars will claim this act is Harram or this Act is forbidden. Often times the reality is a lot more complicated and deals with many intertwined social and religious perspectives.

This is not meant to be a religiously based scholarly work, just personal thoughts. As always you will have to answer to the Lord on your own. My job is not to speak for Islam about what Allah does or does not think. Everyone must make their own decisions and live with their own consequences.

However, I will include the times where I felt uncomfortable or uneasy by what I was being exposed to.

Yet after pondering the concepts myself I began a journey into the acting and performance world. I will share it with you.

Acting as an Alternative Career for Muslims to help Islam and win the war of Ideology.

If you are interested in getting involved in the industry, or would like to support projects of Muslims in the entertainment industry, please contact me.
 

Saleem Siddiqui

HotConflict@Gmail.com

Acting Out Islam Series

Part 1. Acting out Islam! Communication with Muslim Actors and Actresses.

Part 2. Acting out Islam: Classes, Instruction on Performance Emotion Stage Presence.

Part 3. Acting out Islam: Monologue Process, Homosexual, AIDS, Gay Sex!

Part 4. Acting out Islam: Audition, Resumes and Head Shot. How to Land a Part?

Part 5. Acting out Islam: Short Films produced by Low budget Hobbyist for Exposure.

Part 6. Acting out Islam: Independent Full Length Feature Film Movie Production.

Part 7. Acting out Islam: Web Serial TV Episodes Soap Opera Style Film Production.

Part 8. Acting out Islam: Playhouse Plays Stage Presence and Cast Crew Construction.

Please check out our other series of articles.

Alternative Careers for Muslims To Stop Terror and Win the War of Ideology in Islam

Using Technology Internet Social Networks Trends To Understand People, the World

Saleem Siddiqui is a Political Commentator, Public Speaker, Actor and Consultant. He is a trained Mediation and Conflict Resolution Specialist. He conducts sermons and training for various religious and Nonprofit organizations. Working with effort to increase Muslim and Islamic awareness in Communications, Public Relations (PR), Public Speaking, Political Strategy, Media, Marketing, and many  other fields as they relate to the integration of Muslims in the United States of America and around the world.

Saleem Siddiqui has undergrad degrees in Arabic and religion from the Middle East and attended Law School in Houston,Texas. He has consulted with the FBI and testified on behalf of the District Attorney of Virginia on cases relating to National Security and “The War on Terror”.

Acting out Islam: Classes, Instruction on Performance Emotion Stage Presence. Part 2

How the hell do you become and actor anyway?

We have been talking about the need for Muslims in America, Canada and the West to use alternative methods to spread the message of Islam. I had decided that it might be a good idea to learn a little bit about acting. I was not considering becoming an actor, but I thought it might help in performance ability for public speaking and specifically for me in delivering the Khutbah. The Khutbah is the Friday Sermon that Muslim have similar to Christian on Sunday. The Juma prayers are held in Masjids, and mosques all over the country, all over the world.

Do I really want to take acting classes or is this going to be a touchy feely waste of time? Living in Houston Texas is not like the happening Hollywood environment of Los Angeles in California, or even the glamour of the Big Apple. In both New York and Hollywood there are all kinds of acting classes. From beginner, to advanced, and all different forms in between. You can find acting coaches and trainers who will help you develop your personal character and performance ability.

I started with a class at a learning annex. In every major town or city you can find somewhere that teaches acting. If not in an adult learning center or learning annex, you will find classes at local community colleges. I started by going to Leisure Learning. They offered an introductory acting class with a good explanation of the process.

Here is a copy of the ad that they have for the class.

Beginning Acting

Acting calls for taking challenges and learning about who you really are. You want to act on stage. You know you could do commercials. You model, but you know you need to learn how to act to get better jobs. You want to just have fun. This class will not only give you the basics of drama, but you will grow emotionally and have a laugh or two. Auditioning, monologues, scene study, script analysis, and character development will be introduced. Set and stage terminology, career resources on the Internet, memory/sensory-acting techniques will also be covered. By the end of this class, if you have the talent, you should have what it takes to get representation by an agency or audition for a commercial or film/TV part.

The classes were held for 8 weeks on Wednesday’s. The location was at a community center in a church. Already there was an issue. Many Muslims would feel uncomfortable just going to a church. However this was more of a community center adjoining the church, which appeared to be a non-denominational set up. So that did not bother me.

The cost of the classes was $160 for 8 two hour classes. Sounded pretty good. Was I ready for this? I hope I don’t have to go sit in front of a bunch of people and talk about my feelings!

So the first day of class I got there a little late, typical for me. MST-Muslim Standard Time. There were about 18-20 people in the class. The teacher was a black guy with long dreads in his hair. Kinda cool looking. The students were a mixture of all kinds. There were a few guys, but more women in the class than men. The first day was typical, talking about your favorite movies, TV shows, actors and actresses.

I still wondered if this was a good idea or a waste of time. As the class progressed I started to get a good feeling of how the film and stage production process really works. I realized what was involved in getting representation. How you can get into stage productions or focus just on Film. There was also a lot of work in commercials. Or even voice over work where you are not on camera but you use your voice.

By the time we got to the last class, there were only about 6-8 students showing up. This is pretty normal; students drop out and give up. After the teacher assigned monologues to all the students to memorize and perform, the numbers diminished. This is just part of life. Those that are serious or have the desire don’t give up. Sometimes just showing up is enough to become involved or get leaderships positions. Acting requires you to show up and deliver the goods. So what were the possible problems areas as a Muslim? Well of course there were the issues of sex. If you had to do a scene where you were intimate with another person, how would you manage that? Luckily for me, I did not have that problem. There were some scenes where there was touching between you and other members of the performance but nothing of a highly sexual nature.

The main thing you learn from classes is how to communicate and perform the piece. You will also learn the terminology. What is blocking for a screenplay. Where upstage and downstage are. Getting the Part is the hardest part! For that you need to have a good reading ready. Be able to perform a monologue, or do cold readings with the flare and passions that are necessary.

This is a video trailer of Zaynab a Muslim TV Serial I am currently working on. 

If you are interested in getting involved in the industry, or would like to support projects of Muslims in the entertainment industry, please contact me.
 

Saleem Siddiqui

HotConflict@Gmail.com

Acting Out Islam Series

Part 1. Acting out Islam! Communication with Muslim Actors and Actresses.

Part 2. Acting out Islam: Classes, Instruction on Performance Emotion Stage Presence.

Part 3. Acting out Islam: Monologue Process, Homosexual, AIDS, Gay Sex!

Part 4. Acting out Islam: Audition, Resumes and Head Shot. How to Land a Part?

Part 5. Acting out Islam: Short Films produced by Low budget Hobbyist for Exposure.

Part 6. Acting out Islam: Independent Full Length Feature Film Movie Production.

Part 7. Acting out Islam: Web Serial TV Episodes Soap Opera Style Film Production.

Part 8. Acting out Islam: Playhouse Plays Stage Presence and Cast Crew Construction.

Please check out our other series of articles.

Alternative Careers for Muslims To Stop Terror and Win the War of Ideology in Islam

Using Technology Internet Social Networks Trends To Understand People, the World

Saleem Siddiqui is a Political Commentator, Public Speaker, Actor and Consultant. He is a trained Mediation and Conflict Resolution Specialist. He conducts sermons and training for various religious and Nonprofit organizations. Working with effort to increase Muslim and Islamic awareness in Communications, Public Relations (PR), Public Speaking, Political Strategy, Media, Marketing, and many  other fields as they relate to the integration of Muslims in the United States of America and around the world.

Saleem Siddiqui has undergrad degrees in Arabic and religion from the Middle East and attended Law School in Houston,Texas. He has consulted with the FBI and testified on behalf of the District Attorney of Virginia on cases relating to National Security and “The War on Terror”.

 

Acting out Islam: Monologue Process, Homosexual, AIDS, Gay Sex! Part 3

This is part of a series of blogs discussing Islam and Muslims in America from an acting environment.

In this section we will be covering the actor’s monologue.

What Is A Monologue?

If you are new to acting, you may have never heard of the term “monologue”.  Basically, it is dramatic sketch performed by one actor. Having a monologue prepared is a way for people to see your talent.  Like I mentioned before, acting is different from other life endeavors. It is not enough to just show up, you have to have the “Chops”! A monologue is important, especially if you are new to acting. Agents and managers are generally looking for experienced actors. So if you don’t have experience or any credit to your name. When I say credit I am not talking about credit scores, I am referring to credits in Film and TV. For a newcomer to the acting industry, you need to perform with outstanding dramatic presence.  Having a good monologue prepared may be your only chance to get the attention of a good manager or agent. Having a few monologues prepared also keeps your acting “chops” fine tuned.

There are all kinds of different monologues. Comedic, Dramatic, Shakespearean, whatever you may like. Remember, the important thing is that your monologue shows your talent as an actor. The first monologue I was given by the instructor in the class was a wake up call for me. I assumed I could learn how to act and maybe get my feet wet in the acting world without having to make any real questionable decisions. Especially being a Muslim, it was going to be difficult to not deal with a lot of the problem areas.  Never the less I memorized my lines and got the performance down so that I would have something to perform if I ever went to an audition.

After performing this piece in class, I was pleasantly surprised by the reaction of the audience. It was only the instructor and a few of the remaining students, but still, I could see it in their eyes. They lik