Religious Narratives in Dramas Based on Islamic Themes: A Case Study of Umera Ahmed’s Dramas

Abstract

TV drama is an effective persuasion tool due to its storytelling feature. Pakistani TV dramas are watched across the globe, and its viewers have a strong admiration for the portrayal of fundamental issues in its stories. Pakistani TV dramas have explored religion and spirituality while focusing on social issues. The present study aims to see how Islam has been represented in religious theme-based dramas and to what extent the religious content is relatable to viewers with different religious identities. In this regard, content analysis of three religious theme-based dramas of writer Umera Ahmed was conducted. The findings highlight the major religious dimensions portrayed in selected TV dramas and repeated representations of religious virtues valued in religions other than Islam, like the authority of God, the concept of heaven and hell, the importance of forgiveness, and human rights.