BURAAQ: MUSLIM HERO FIGHTS INJUSTICE

Islamabad, 17 Jumadil Awwal 1436/8 March 2015 (MINA) – Reflecting the common universal values of Islam, a new animated TV series will be launched to defy misconceptions about Islam, usually portrayed by the mainstream media.

“In the past few years, we began to realize that there were no positive Islamic characters in the world of mainstream entertainment. Be it movies, TV, books or comics,” say the SplitMoonArts team on their website.

“Especially after 9/11, Muslims were being portrayed in a negative way by the mainstream media, On Islam quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

“That’s when we had a strong urge to use our artistic skills and produce something inspirational for the Muslim youth.”

Featuring a superhero that stands up for truth, justice and freedom, the animated series is the new version of Buraaq comic book that was released in January 2011. Co-founded by two enterprising American Muslims, artist Adil Imtiaz and writer Kamil Imtiaz, the book aimed to highlight the positive Islamic characteristics.

The mission of the project is “to reclaim the mainstream narrative on Islam, and to tell our own story in the form of high-quality 3D animation and comic book,” according to the website.

“Our ultimate goal is to see BURAAQ on the big screen, In sha Allah!”

The series features that story of Yusuf Abdallah, a regular guy who happens to be practicing Muslim living in fictional Nova City. Mixing mystery, action, and adventure, the Muslim superhero, Abdullah, uses his power to fight injustice.

“We like to stay away from ambiguity and convey a clear, positive and inspirational message,” the founders said.

“It’s time to tell our own story. To get started on this journey, we are looking to raise $200K [≈ Initial seat price on Virgin Galactic suborbital flight] to produce the first episode of BURAAQ in high quality 3D animation!

“Together we can make this dream a reality.”

Al-Buraq, a beast resembling a horse with two huge wings springing from its back, it the animal Prophet Muhammad used during the Night Journey of Israa and Miraj. The first part of the journey is known as Al-Isra’ – The Night Journey – and this night journey was the journey to Jerusalem.

Over the sands, Prophet Muhammad travelled, with Gabriel by his side. In their plight for Jerusalem, Buraq moved swiftly through the night sky.

At Jerusalem, Buraq descended at Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa where Prophet Muhammad met a congregation of Prophets – all Prophets before his time: Adam, Nuh, Hud, Idris, Salih, Joseph, Shuayab, Zachariah, Yahya, and the other Prophets mentioned in the Quran.

He was asked to lead them in prayer in front of their Lord. (T/P011/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)