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To some extent (Patriarchy and Marriage)

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To some extent (Patriarchy and Marriage)

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My views may be myopic given the limited amount of Muslim friends that I have, but I do feel a greater sense of patriarchy among my Muslim friend's households. From my experience, my muslim friends usually have their fathers as the figurehead and being the breadwinner while the woman stay home to look after the house. Major decisions have to be passed through their fathers and they often have the final say at home, while their mothers often seem really submissive.

I also see marriage being highly sacred. My friends mentioned to me the long list of rituals and procedures to be adhered to before marriage can seek the blessings of both famillies. And usually, these are tied to Islam teachings.

(Angus)

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At least to me, what stood out to me throughout the film was the constant contestation and struggle of one's ideals vs that of Allah's. This can be seen from the train scene where people look upon Allah for forgiveness and deliverance for sins. I think the main narrative would be to portray how Islam is interweaved into the every day living of Muslims

(Angus)

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The director sought to make the film more receptive by sensationalising it through pop culture references. This might detract the film's ability to accurately portray Islam to the audiences. A prime example would be how Polygamy a taboo topic within Islam was seemed so acceptable whereas in reality, it is a reality whereby most would be against

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Patriarchy, religion and marriage are valeus that Islam in contemporary Indonesia value. Religion and marriage are highly obvious and the film centred around these 2 themes continuously. They can also be found on Fahri's wall of goals to achieve. Religion really stood out to me as Allah was looked up upon by the Indonesia people on a daily basis to guide their daily actions. Marriage is also highly intertwined with religion and is viewed very sacredly as evident from how Fahri carefully navigated it. Lastly, patriarchy is obvious as many familial units are governed by the male figurehead

(Angus)

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This film tries to portray the importance of religion, Islam in the average Indonesian life.
It also goes to show that interpretations of religious doctrine is constantly moving where popular interpretations battle it out over supremacy. In the case of this movie, popular Islam vs traditional conservative Islam.
(Edwin Ng)

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Living a life that is faithful to religion 

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Living a life that is faithful to religion 

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The movie portrays the importance of religion in daily life through beliefs, ethics and rituals believers have to participate in. This is especially true when believers go through times of hardship as seen by Fahri test in his faith during his accused rape trial.

The movie also explores the theme of inter-religious marriage and how religion influences a believer's outlook on this topic as seen by Fahri relationship with Maria.
(Edwin Ng)

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I met an Islamic friend who was studying in Korea. At first glance, I barely recognized that she was Muslim because she dressed and acted similarly to my other international friends. She told me that Muslims outside of their home countries do not always adhere to Islamic law strictly. However, in Islamic countries, they are expected to follow the law strictly. Additionally, since there are very few Muslims in Korea, I believe that most Koreans have a very different image of Islam in Korea than they do in other Islamic countries. (Taelim)

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In this film, I could see how Islamic people form their culture and norms of living, based on their religion. Especially in the scene where a man scolded another man for helping foreigners on a train, I could see the conflicts and difficulties that Fahri and others have faced as they cling to their religious beliefs in this multicultural society. (Taelim)

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I think the biggest limitation of the film is in its role within Islam. Inevitably, whether intentionally or not, I feel that this film has subtly taken a role as a medium for da’wah, a role in shaping the “religious authority” figure with Indonesia’s society. It influences ideologies amongst its audience based on its interpretation and application of Islamic teachings within this “case study”.

Maybe this is a strength, in the way it would cause people to self reflect by putting themselves in character’s shoes.

However, given its appeal to the younger generation, this emotional appeal could feed into their existing tendencies to learn and make decisions based on what “feels” right more than slowing down to allow rationality and critical thinking to have its place in helping them “construe meaning”

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Central: prevalence of Islam in Indonesia, seems to be shown in symbolism (“Indonesia” and “Islam” sort of being used interchangeably)

Contested: Maybe its exactly due to the centrality of its place in shaping identities amongst the indonesians, it results in being highly contested. Its representations of different Islamic variants along its spectrum of interpretations is shown in the narrative and unique scenes.

Sentiments of contestation might also be integrated and channelled to the audience through the frustrations, struggles and wrestles as we follow along with the characters in the narrative (eg. Fahri, wrestling his personal feelings and piety, along with influence from people around him)

It is also revealed in scenes portraying differing interpretations of the Quran (eg. bus scene - where each party takes a form of interpretation and hence justification for their actions based on the quran.)

Additionally, this film (and the novel) itself serves as a voice, as part of the contestation - whilst Hakim in his paper might observe stronger representation of liberal islam over other variants, stances on key controversial issues (polygamy, approach to marriage, interfaith marriage which did not stand eventually etc.) seem to subtly lean towards a traditional stance

Given the novelist’ traditional background, he could be seeking to reinterpret and justify relevance of traditional values even amidst greater prevalence of liberalism and modernity in the present age

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application of islam teachings through characterisation

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application of islam teachings through characterisation

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Considering that the film’s purpose can possibly be seen as a contestation against young viewer’s modern and liberal perceptions towards traditional values (polygamy, submission in marriage, traditional gender roles) Its heavy influence driving the narrative, rather than being just a symbol or one character, could have served its role in bringing across “teachings” well contextualised and applied in real life situations which makes them clearer and simpler to digest, relate to and possibly imitate.

Film’s narrative follows a romance plot between 5 characters, religion played a crucial part in shaping the characterisation and interactions between characters. It is naturally so because of how central religion is in forming our identity and hence its strongly depicted in portraying what motivates these characters both emotionally and rationally. Arguably more on rationality.

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Similarities: Struggles and life practices are similar. I recalled a conversation with a muslim friend who felt obliged to withhold herself from feelings towards a friend who was not muslim, although its a difficult wrestle. Prayer practices and visitations at the mosque are similar in my observation of Islam in Singapore

A similarity I didnt know existed: In the film Islam is portrayed to allow for polygamy. This felt like a very new concept to me, within the context of Singapore. However, it seems that polygamy is allowed legally under a muslim marriage, with the same requirements as stated in the Quran (4 wives max etc) and happening at present. https://rima.sg/more-than-one-a-look-at-polygamy-in-muslim-marriages-in-singapore/

However, I believe this is a minority. If the survey in indonesia already showed large percentage of muslim women unwilling to have polygamy in her own marriage. Singapore, having lesser dominant islamic ideologies culturally in society, together with its modern, capitalist environment. There might be much lesser women willing to allow polygamy in marriage. Similarly so for muslim men considering the much lesser number of friends they might know in polygamy.

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In Singapore, Islams are both traditional and modern, but then I would say leaning more towards the liberal side. I have a Muslim friend who doesn't dress traditionally (covers every part of her body) but rather dresses more liberally, except on religious occasions. I know another Muslim who also drinks alcohol (to the point of getting drunk) when alcohol is discouraged by the Quran. Since I thought the film's portrayal of Islam is both traditional & modern, I would say it's the same in Singapore.

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Is it really a truthful depiction of polygamy?

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Is it really a truthful depiction of polygamy?

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Since the film romanticises polygamy, it presents an oversimplified version of polygamy. On the surface, it seems easy for Fahrid to commit to polygamy, however, it is more complex in real life, with many laws/rules dictated by the Quran. Muslims also have different beliefs/attitudes in different Muslim-majority countries, which leads to polygamy being a contested terrain amongst Muslims where there is no consensus on whether it is right or wrong. This begs the question of how effective it is for the film to tackle Islam in Indonesia when it is deemed controversial.

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Korea has a relatively small Muslim population compared to Indonesia, and Islam is not the dominant religion in the country. Consequently, Islam may not be as prominently portrayed or explored in Korean movies. When Islam is depicted in Korean media, it often tends to focus on broader stereotypes or limited perspectives due to a lack of in-depth understanding of the religion. YC

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(Edwin Loh)
Islam in Singapore differs from that in Indonesia, as Singaporean Muslims are known for their greater tolerance and open-mindedness. This is evident in various aspects of their lives.

For instance, Singaporean Muslims exhibit a more flexible approach to dining choices. Many are open to dining in places where pork is not served as long as certain criteria are met. This inclusive attitude showcases their willingness to embrace diverse food options.

Moreover, Singaporean Muslims actively engage in interfaith interactions, participating in dialogues and initiatives that promote understanding and harmony among different religious communities. This demonstrates their open-mindedness and their commitment to fostering mutual respect and coexistence.

The lifestyle and practices of Singaporean Muslims reflect a fusion of cultural influences, resulting in a diverse and inclusive expression of their Islamic faith. This blending of cultural elements highlights their open-mindedness in embracing and incorporating various perspectives.

Additionally, Singaporean Muslims actively engage in community and social activities, such as volunteer work and charity initiatives, showcasing their willingness to collaborate with diverse groups and contribute to the betterment and harmony of society.

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I think because the film primarily focuses on a specific interpretation of Islam and presents a rather idealized and homogeneous depiction of Muslim characters, it may not fully capture the diverse range of beliefs, practices, and perspectives within the Islamic faith. This narrow representation can create an incomplete or limited understanding of Islam for viewers. YC

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(Edwin Loh)
One possible limitation is the film's focus on a specific interpretation and portrayal of the religion (the Indonesian interpretation). While the movie offers insights into certain aspects of Islam, it may not provide a comprehensive representation of the diverse beliefs, practices, and perspectives within the Islamic faith. The film's narrative is based on a particular novel and may not encompass the full spectrum of Islamic experiences and interpretations found in contemporary Indonesia. Therefore, viewers should approach the film as a fictional story rather than a definitive depiction of Islam as a whole.

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Religion plays a crucial part in the narrative in the aspect of cultural context of the movie. It's been depicted that religion, particularly Islam, is deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of Indonesia. The film reflects the societal and cultural context by portraying characters who are Muslims and showcasing Islamic practices, rituals, and values. This cultural backdrop provides a relatable context for the story and resonates with the predominantly Muslim audience in Indonesia. YC

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Shapes Characters' Beliefs, Actions, and Relationships

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Shapes Characters' Beliefs, Actions, and Relationships

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(Edwin Loh)
The film portrays religion as integral to its narrative as it shapes the characters' beliefs, actions, and relationships. For instance, Fahri exemplifies faith and devotion through prayers, fasting, and Quran recitation. Love and relationships within Islamic boundaries are explored, highlighting the challenges of balancing romance with religious obligations. The film emphasizes the influence of religious teachings on ethical decisions and promotes interfaith understanding through Fahri's relationship with Maria.

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Enduring Faith While Promoting Tolerance

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Enduring Faith While Promoting Tolerance

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(Edwin Loh)
The film showcases the enduring significance of faith and devotion among Indonesian Muslims, exemplified through Fahri's unwavering commitment to prayers, Quran recitation, and fasting. The movie promotes tolerance and understanding by highlighting religious diversity, as seen in Fahri's friendship with Maria, a Christian woman. It explores love within Islamic values, emphasizing the challenges of balancing romantic desires with religious obligations. Upholding Islamic ethics and values, such as honesty and integrity, is also emphasized. The film underscores the role of education and knowledge in strengthening faith, exemplified by Fahri's pursuit of higher education and teaching Islamic principles. Overall, the film provides a nuanced exploration of Islam's influence on individuals' lives in contemporary Indonesia.

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The film highlights the central role of Islam in the lives of its characters. It depicts the protagonist, Fahri, as a devout Muslim who strongly adheres to Islamic teachings and principles. Like this, the movie emphasizes the importance of adhering to Islamic teachings and values. It showcases the Islamic principles such as honesty, modesty, compassion, and forgiveness. The film presents these teachings as essential for personal growth and leading a righteous life. YC

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Unfortunately, in the US, media and politics do not portray Islam in a fair or just way. Muslims are often branded as 'terrorists' in the US due to sensationalism and Islamophobic rhetoric, chalking up extremist group's motivations to their religion without any critical analysis that the majority of Muslims also see those groups as having warped their faith. Although there are Muslim groups in the US, they face discrimination because of the rhetoric spread around Islam. Islam in popular media is very rarely portrayed, and if it is, Muslims often become the villains in movies and TV shows. I do not agree with this interpretation as again, Islam is a complex religion with varying interpretations, many of which are beautiful and honest. (Victoria)

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Although the film does show many interpretations, it emphasizes the Indonesian interpretation as the 'right' way through Fahri. It also portrays the female characters more passively, which I believe would be a point contested among many female Muslims, especially in younger generations. Because this film was made for an Indonesian audience, it is understandable that they portrayed Islam this way; however, Islam is a complex religion with many interpretations. It conveys certain beliefs in a positive light, such as polygamy, that many Muslims might find too conservative. On the other hand, there are also practices that may be interpreted as too liberal for other Muslims. Although it would be near impossible for one film to showcase all the complexities of Islam, emphasizing one interpretation as the best one is a distinct limitation. (Victoria)

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Although there are melodramatic elements of the film, I believe it was used to emphasize the importance of religion for Muslims in their life. The film attempts to portray religion as a guiding factor in love, hardship, and day-to-day interactions. The dialogue, setting, and characters all used their faith to make decisions, and it was a guiding point in many parts of the plot. For example, when Fahri marries Maria, it was guided by Aisha and her emphasis of the situation and polygamy as part of Islam under the portrayal of soulmates. Fahri even seeks out a religious mentor when faced with romantic plights. The film intertwines Islam in its narrative to portray how it should guide Muslims. (Victoria)

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This film shows various interpretations of Islam and the Quran. Fahri, as the central metaphor for Islam in Indonesia in the film, is portrayed as very pious, noble, and responsible. For example, he strictly follows the notion of not touching other women he is not married or related to. Throughout the trial, the film portrays the conflict as a test of faith, and we see Fahri continue to pray and stick to his faith. For example, he tells Aisha not to bribe the judge as it's not God's will. Additionally, the different ways the female characters dress show varying interpretations of Islam. Aisha chooses to veil her face, while Noura and Nurul do not. As this is an Indonesian film, I think it is trying to portray the diversities and complexities of Islam in Indonesia, but it uses Fahri as the main "standard" of what Islam in Indonesia should look like, especially when juxtaposed against other interpretations that the American journalist, the man on the train, and Bahadur express/practice. (Victoria)

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While the majority of the people in my country are Catholic, the southern portion consist of mostly muslims. Honestly, I'm not very familiar with the religion especially due to geographical constraints but from what I can tell, Filipinos that practice Islam do perceive it a little similarly to the way they do in the film. It is also taken with much seriousness and is still very much alive and being passed on to generations.

There is definitely a big divide between Catholicism and Islam in the country and it is very rare that these 2 mix beliefs, practices, or even really interact with each other much due to geographical limitations. (Reneé Tan)

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Religion can either unite or divide despite its universal appeal

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Religion can either unite or divide despite its universal appeal

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The film’s narrative explores the consequences of an interfaith marriage between a Muslim man and a Coptic Christian, highlighting the complexities inherent in religious dynamics. It delves into the notion that religion can both unite and divide people, showcasing the contrasting facets of its influence on people.

Religion as a unifying force can be seen through Fahri and Maria’s interreligious marriage, as well as the train scene. In the train scene where Aisha gave up her seat for the American journalist’s mother, there was a Muslim man who violently objected to it. He called the Americans “infidels” and asked “Did you know what the Americans did in Afghanistan, Palestine and Iraq?”. Fahri then used his Islamic faith to counter back by saying Islam teaches us to be kind to all human beings and we must still maintain fairness despite hating their bad deeds. This reveals that Islam contains universal values of kindness and fairness that transcend religious boundaries.

Religion can also act as a divisive force. When Maria was confessing her love for Fahri, she laments that he found his Nile and it wasn’t her because they are both different, but she still loves him. However, she later realises to love and possession are two different things. This shows that pragmatically, interreligious relationships may cause conflicts between partners and they are difficult to sustain as compared to same-religion relationships. This is reinforced by the ending of the film, where Maria passes away and monogamy is reestablished between Fahri and Aisha.

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Compared to Korea, it is a bit difficult to find similarities. Korea has a relatively small Muslim population. Also, if we look at the cultural background, Indonesia has a multicultural society and Islamic culture, but Korea was mainly influenced by Confucianism and Buddhism.
If you look for similarities, the old generation in Korea used to have values for family events, marriage, and childbirth depend on religious virtues. Similarities could be appear in historical context.
(Minji Lee)

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Balancing act between traditional &  modern Islam 

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Balancing act between traditional &  modern Islam 

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To me, the film offers a nuanced portrayal of contemporary Islam in Indonesia, effectively showcasing the intricate interplay between traditional and modern elements within the religion. Exploring this dynamic may reveal the current state of Islamic practices and beliefs in Indonesia, showcasing how they have been shaped by the ongoing balancing act between tradition and modernity.

The film captures the essence of traditional Islam through Fahri's devotion to Islam which serves as a testament to the deeply rooted traditions that underpin his beliefs and behaviour. For instance, he believes men and women cannot date before marriage, and men cannot touch women except his wife or family member.

However, there are certain modern aspects of Islam, shown through the Muslim women’s dressings and interreligious relationship between Fahri and Maria. The stark contrast in attire between Fahri's first wife, Aisha, who adorns a niqab, and other Muslim women who opt for hijabs, as well as Maria's choice of a more contemporary outfit with a t-shirt and pants, exemplify the diverse expressions of Islamic practice within the modern context.

Besides, Maria is a Coptic Christian with vastly different religious teachings than in Islam, yet she is portrayed to be passionate about Islam through Maria's heartfelt expression of love for Fahri. Maria shares how Fahri's embodiment of the Islamic faith has enlightened her to its core values of peace and equality. This pivotal moment underscores the film's portrayal of Islam as a religion that transcends boundaries and embraces the fundamental principle that all people, regardless of their religious backgrounds, are inherently equal. However, towards the end of the film, I did not know if Maria actually converted to Islam. Hence, this may go against the general rule in Islam that Muslims should marry Muslims. Although it is permitted for Muslim men to marry women of Christian/Jewish faith, Muslim women are better suited to their male counterparts. Therefore, this film presents a rather modern and liberal version of Islam which may be reflective of the actual reality of Islam in contemporary Indonesia.

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In Singapore, Muslims are generally more liberal in their Islamic practice, this maybe due to the more modern and tolerating nature in SG's context.

Although fasting and praying are common, my Muslim friends are usually more liberal and are open to trying new things. Most of them are not too focused on finding Halal restaurants and accept that it's hard to find these eateries everywhere, as long as pork is not served they are fine with it. Most of my Muslim friends do not have their lifestyle revolve around Islamic belief and live a lifestyle where it's an amalgamation of different contemporary thinking and beliefs.

I think that Islamic beliefs differ from country to country and one where majority are Muslims as compared to one where minority are Muslims will have very different practice and beliefs. (Shu Liang)

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This film mainly shows the interpretation of the Indonesian context in Islam. When expanding globally, it is hard to say that it represents the different perspectives and practices of Muslims. It does not reflect the diversity of Islamic thought, the various teachings, and the various branches of study.
There is also a lack of critical confirmation. Because it tends to present an ideal version of Islam, challenges or arguments within the Muslim community are not revealed. It can be difficult to develop an understanding of the complexity of Islam.
(Minji Lee)

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Promotion of Islamic culture and values 

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Promotion of Islamic culture and values 

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The director wanted to create a film that paints Islam beliefs in a different light. Having being released in 2008, where the religion of Islam is looked upon generally in a negative light due to 9/11 and the War on Terrorism, I think the director attempts to portray Islam as a religion of love and tolerance.

It also helps to dispel myths of Islam origins and that there are many countries and races in the world who practice Islam but are not from middle-eastern country. It also shows the difference in Islamic beliefs and values across different countries (Shu Liang)

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Religion plays an important role in the narrative of this movie. Keywords are background setting, cultural identity, relationship, and faith.
The main character's academic background is a prestigious university known for its religious teachings and Islamic studies. This establishes a religious background, emphasizing the importance of Islam.
Islamic ethics and teaching are key to the characters' decision-making.
It also shows the challenges they face, presenting love and relationships within Islam. It makes people think about situations that can happen when personal and religious values are mixed.
As a whole, religion in the character's life plays a major role in the narrative of the film. (Minji Lee)

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The film shows insight into Islam's role in Indonesia. The main character, Fahri, deeply understands religion and tries to reflect its teachings in life. Living based on Islamic values and ethics in everyday life. We can also think about the problems that Muslims face in modern society. Audience can explore conflicts between traditional and modern values, or romantic relationships within the boundaries of Islam. Overall, it shows a positive depiction of Islam in modern Indonesia, and I could look at the functions of religion linked to individual lives.
(Minji Lee)

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<Nidhi>
I know many people who practice Islam in the Netherlands, however there is much variety in the way each individual practices. I know few people who practice very strictly, but most of them practice Islam in a more moderate version. Hence, the way I know it, Islam is generally practiced in a more modern way in the Netherlands, than portrayed in the film

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Islamic values plays a central role in Indonesian's life

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Islamic values plays a central role in Indonesian's life

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Islamic values revolves around the lifestyle of youngsters in Indonesia. Islam is painted in a very positive light in the film, which is marketed as "Verses of Love".

I think the film attempts to tell us about Islamic views when it comes to relationships, dating and marriage and that there are no absolutes but it's a religion of tolerance and giving.

The film also shows us 2 sides of Islam, and how older traditions of Islamics beliefs are interpreted differently by the newer generations or understood differently. It is almost ironically a dichotomy when it comes to monogamy and polygamy relationship even though they are both the same religion (Shu Liang)

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<Nidhi>
Many different types of people with different types of interpretations are followers in Islam, however in this film, a very specific type of Muslims has been displayed. There is not much discussion on the interpretations that different Muslims have towards their religion, so I think that this film does give a very one-sided view of the religion and its followers.

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<Nidhi>
I think it is to show the positive sides of Islam. Islam is more often than not portrayed very negatively in mainstream media, so I think this film serves as a means to bring out another side of Islam and to familiarize more people with this side, while also still being relatable.

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That it plays a major role in day-to-day life

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That it plays a major role in day-to-day life

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<Nidhi>
In the film, religion plays a huge part in Fahri's life. It is important for him and other characters in the film to follow the rules of his religion, which are applicable to many parts of his life. This shows the place of religion in Indonesian society. The film portrays Islam in a very positive light, by showing the tolerance and welcoming nature of Islam.

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I think there are similarities in their practices like prayers and fasting. It is common for schools to end earlier on Fridays so that muslim students can go for their Friday prayers, many places also have a prayer room to accommodate to those needs. I remember having a lesson on Ramadan when I was in primary school because my classmates were fasting. Generally, during Ramadan, people will be more understanding of muslim friends around them. For example, when dancing, instructors would often check in on muslim students. (xinyi)

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I think like many religions, Islam has different facets and interpretation of it. However, I feel that the film failed to show audience the complexity and full spectrum of the religion. Though I do acknowledge that it will be tough for a movie to represent the entire religion in a authentic manner, I think navigating or dissecting more aspects of Islam will be great (xinyi)

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As it is an Indonesian film, I think using the faith that many of the citizens practice is a good way to ground the narrative. It is a reflection of the society's thoughts and actions, it offers social commentary on the role of religion in contemporary Indonesian society. It addresses themes such as religious extremism, and the struggle to maintain religious values despite modern influences. By placing religion at the center of the story, the film prompts viewers to reflect on these societal issues and encourages conversations and provoke thoughts. (xinyi)

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Fahri embodies strong religious devotion and seeks to live his life according to Islamic teachings. His character portrays the commitment and dedication of many Indonesian Muslims to their faith. However, that comes with its own set of challenges faced by individuals trying to maintain their religious values in a modern and diverse society. Fahri encounters cultural clashes, temptations, and adversity that test his faith. This reflects the complexities faced by Muslims in Indonesia, who strive to navigate their religious beliefs within a pluralistic and evolving environment. (xinyi)

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Islam is such a complex and vast concept that could not possibly be faithfully represented in a 2 hour love story. To me the film didn't really touch on the many different interpretations of Islam and kind of presented the religion in the way that there is only one way to look at it. As globalization occurs, religion also spreads and adapts to different cultures. For me the film lacked diversity in representing Islam and delving into the reasons for the different beliefs and traditions. (Reneé Tan)

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After doing some research, I've found that the director of the film really had the intention of creating a piece that was an accessible tool to discuss religion. He wanted to show that trendy and young people can also practice Islam and it isn't just an old tradition. The film is able to be something relatable to many, whether or not you are practicing Islam or not. Consequently, the film also acts as a tool to spread awareness about the religion and its misconceptions to those not so familiar with it. (Reneé Tan)

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The film makes it apparent that religion still plays a very strong role in contemporary Indonesia, even amongst young people. Traditions and beliefs are very much alive and are considered to be norms for everyone. Islam was the tell-all, be-all of the film - the invisible guiding force that steered the film from start to finish. The characters turn to Islam teachings when making any decisions and the perception of the main characters in the film was also mainly based on religion as well. The film ultimately shows how intertwined religion is in Indonesian culture. (Reneé Tan)

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This film seems to have an orthodox interpretation of Islam, especially when it comes to the role of women and marriage. In the Netherlands, there are laws which attempt to 'protect' women to be marginalised in the name of Islam. The two that immediately come to mind are the ban on wearing burkas and the ban on polygamy.
While I myself struggle with the ban on burkas, the Dutch state quite clearly interferes with religious practices. Also, arranged marriages would generally be frowned upon by Dutch people without a migrant background.

Right-wing politicians like Geert Wilders often portray Islam as inherantly oppressive for women, and he would probably see his view confirmed in this film. People with more liberal attitudes, would, however, probably argue that this is not the only interpretation of Islam, and that there are more moderate versions. This because the role and rights of women in the version of Islam that is portrayed in this film is strongly at odds with typical Dutch perceptions on gender equality.
There is, however, a considerable amount of Dutch citizens which do adhere to a very orthodox interpretation of Islam. This causes tension, as this is often at tension with more traditional 'Dutch' values, while they, at the same time, are Dutch citizens, and conservative Islam is therefore a part of the Dutch society.

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At religious studies, discussions about interpretation are important. The film made me think of the thriller Cairo Conspiracy (or more literal: Boy From Heaven). There the discussions and different interpretations of Islam are prevalent, with also the tension between the nationalist (Egyptian) state and religion.
As this film seams to me as a nationalist film celebrating Islamic Indonesia, it clearly steers away from these topics, which I would argue is slightly disappointing.

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The themes that this film touches on (polygamy, conversion to Islam and perserverance in difficult times) are themes that are important to Islam.
These themes are therefore discussed through an Islamic lense, which is done by choosing a protagonist which studies Islam at the Islamic university in the world, who clearly functions as a role model.

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The film primarily focuses on a specific interpretation of Islam and does not explore the diverse perspectives within the religion. It presents a singular, devout portrayal of Fahri, without delving into the wide range of beliefs and practices that exist within Indonesian Muslim society. This limited perspective may not fully represent the diverse reality of Islam and its followers (Yi Qiang)

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While this film is primarily an Islamic film, Indonesian nationalism sipped through here and there. Especially the scene where Fahri is declared innocence, had some interesting celebrations.
Doing this, a connection between the Indonesian state and Islamic religion is forged.

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Islam provides a moral and ethical framework that guides the characters' actions and decisions. The film explores the principles of Islam and how they influence Fahri's choices in various aspects of his life, including his relationships, education, and personal growth. By emphasizing the moral teachings of Islam, the movie presents a value system that the audience can relate to, contemplate, and even explore (Yi Qiang)

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It seems difficult to find similarities with modern Korean society. Muslims are extremely rare among Koreans, and Islam is not a familiar religion for Koreans, so I think it is a difficult environment to form similarities. However, the fact that Korean society considered marriage very important in the past has similarities with the appearance of Islam expressed in movies.

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It would have been better to show various aspects of Islam as well as polygamy. Although the movie is a romance movie, I thought it was too focused on the main character's marriage. It would have been better if the movie contained more of the various rules of Islam and the way Muslims live. For example, if Fahri had shown himself solving various problems, such as poverty and conflict with friends, as well as marriage-related problems, the movie would have been richer.

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It is an Indonesian film and most Indonesians are Muslim. So the teachings of Islam are very important to them, and that's why religion is an important factor in this movie. In fact, the characters in the movie value Islamic discipline and show themselves trying to solve problems through discipline. As such, in Indonesia, Islam is not only a religion but also a way of life, so religion is important in movies.

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The movie describes Islam as an important teaching in solving life problems. The film provides knowledge of the reasons for Islamic values, such as polygamy and handling of situations in uncertain times. And the characters show themselves solving problems through these things. Through this appearance, it can be seen that movies express Islam in modern Indonesia positively and encourage it.

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I see some similarity in the way that they do their morning prayers and fast when it is the fasting month. In singapore, due to our multicultural and ethnicity we are understanding of peoples practice of their religion. For example, in my secondary school every friday, school would end earlier to allow for muslim students to go to mosque for prayers. During fasting month we are more aware of our muslim friends and be more aware of our actions around them.

It is illegal for most people in singapore to have an polygamy relationship however, for those practicing islam and muslim they could choose to have a polygamy relationship in singapore. However, there are many legal restrictions which could make it difficult to have one. They have explicitly stated that love cannot be one of the reason to having a polygamy relationship in singapore. Hence, the practice of the religion is limited and different depending on the laws and acceptance in the countries.  (vera)

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Due to the film narrative being situated in indonesia and a large proportion of the people are islamic, religion ultimately become a part of their live or basically their entire identity. For example, fahri really follow and try to understand the quran and acts in such a way to follow the words of god. When he ends up in jail and he meets a moral dilemma his whole identity is being questioned. This religion ultimately shaped the way of his thinking of love and soulmates. (vera)

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Religion (islam) is a big part in contemporary indonesia and the peoples lives. It resolves around their daily interaction for example how fahri cannot touch other woman besides his wife and his family. It also resolves around certain views that people have about marriage, dating and relationships between 2 different genders especially polygamy and ta'aruf. Everyones interpretation of the quran is different and you can see how there is different views to the polygamy aspects of marriage while some but mostly the elder generation sees that it is ok and accepted by society. However, the younger generation such as fahri does not seem to understand it. There are tensions between this 2 end of the spectrum and you can see this tension between portrayed in the film by fahri and aisha.  (vera)

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I think that islam is more complex and the film is maybe too focus on potraying a small aspect of islam to maybe the relationship with woman and also the idea of polygamy. For that reason maybe it Is why there is a story line in the film based on fahri and his relationship with the many woman he encounter. I think it would have been better to explore more about the political situation as shown by the entire scene of the court and how it was sort of one sided and unfair.

I am sure that there is more to islam then just this and I think it would have been more interesting to see the interracial relationship just like in sepet as in some countries, race and religion is often used interchangeably as race is often linked to a certain religion.  (vera)

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Didn't understand why the film took place in Egypt, other than the fact that they wanted one of Fahri's love interests to be of another religion.

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Didn't understand why the film took place in Egypt, other than the fact that they wanted one of Fahri's love interests to be of another religion.

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Personally, I found it unnatural that everyone was mostly speaking Indonesian in Egypt and felt that it was a missed opportunity to emphasis the cultural & religious differences between Maria & Fahri, and Aisha & Fahri.

I believe the film could have been equally powerful if set in contemporary Indonesia because while Indonesia is a Muslim-majority country, there are religious minorities that are still present and therefore these interracial relationships are still present in the Indonesian context. (Pav)

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To begin with, china is often accused of genocide and thus suggest that muslims in china does not have much freedom compared to muslims in indonesia. Chinese authorities have indeed imposed pervasive restrictions such as not allowing muslims to wear long beards, veils, or anything deemed “extremist” attire. Children are prohibited from learning about religion, even at home. Temples have been demolished and scrapped. Halal food are permitted. China also does not allow polygamy and deemed it to be illegal, it also came to my surprise that china has attempted to change the Quran and come out with a Quran that aligned with china communist party idealogy. This can be shown in contrast with muslims in indonesia whereas they have freedom to practice their religion at home , go to mosque, marry multiple wives and wear veils.

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Too polygamy focused. Polygamy has been a socially problematic issue in Indonesia. From the film the director gave me the impression that he lean towards polygamy which contributed to heated debates among the public. It is also worth noticing that the majority of Indonesian society is also against this form of marriage. Moreover in modern indonesia society, usually the reason for divorce was because the wife disagree with husband marrying another wife. Therefore the film, with too much focus on polygamy and plot leaning towards polygamy - did not really talked or mentioned the pros on monogamy. This creates a bias and might be misleading to young and mature audience thinking that polygamy out weighs monogamy.

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The plot in the film discussed about polygamy and monogamy is uniquely Islamic and thus religion has to come into the picture to set a better context and understanding. This can be seen through the giving up seats scene and the Fahri’s strong affection towards his religion and his islamic practice. Moreover after some research on the director, i believe that his intention was to eliminate the prejudice in muslims through film an accessible forms of communication. In contemporary indonesia, the media have formed a so-called “new Muslim people” whose thinking is renewed and recreated by these technological media. Since islam is omnipresent in the Egyptian public sphere through sound, i feel that the director believe in using new media, in conjunction of new muslim society to bring out the emergence of a new religious public sphere.

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This film brings me through how the islamic religion is like and what their practice is. According to the islam and briefly mentioned in the film, one must date within the boundaries and guidelines set by their faith and it is important to stay pure and chaste before getting married. Fahri’s decision in choosing a monogamous or polygamous family also pose a cultural shock to me as it is not common in my religion/culture. It is also worth noticing that the director was trying to portray muslims in a positive way and remove the stereotyping mindset of the public in this film. One of the scene which illustrated this was muslim passengers on a crowded Cairo train refuse to give up their seats to an American woman but Fahri argued with them and saves the day. This proves the point that overall islam is a “religion of tolerance and one that extends welcome towards all foreigners” which goes by the Quran.