Almost 15 months ago, the trailer for the British-made epic, Lady of Heaven, was released. The reviews were mixed, but the Muslim world was outraged. While claiming, as per the title, to be about Muhammad’s daughter Fatimah, (PBUT) the film instead focuses mostly on his cousin and successor Ali (RA). Director Eli King and writer Yassir al-Habib attempt to give the Islam origin story a contemporary parallel. But for Muslims, both Shia and Sunni, the film is viewed as blasphemous and sectarian.
Roshan Muhammed Salih, editor of the 5Pillars website and a journalist with 21 years of experience under his belt has been keeping a close eye on the protests that have followed after the film was slated to be shown at cinemas in the UK, spoke to Radio Islam International.