Ilham Shaheen’s Controversial Statement on Prayer and Work Sparks Debate

Artist Ilham Shaheen’s recent statement on prayer and prioritizing work has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many weighing in on his views. In a video shot two years ago at a seminar, Ilham Shaheen shared his thoughts on the matter, which some found surprising.

Ilham Shaheen recounted his experience working with a director who became increasingly religious, stating, “The director I worked with, he was a very ordinary man and a simple man… suddenly he became religious in a very strange way.” He also mentioned that the director would stop filming to pray, leaving work to do so.

Expert Weighs In: Saud Saleh Responds to Ilham Shaheen’s Statement

Dr. Saud Saleh, a professor of comparative jurisprudence at Al-Azhar University, responded to Ilham Shaheen’s statement, expressing surprise that the director’s decision to pray during work was ridiculed. He stated, “I am surprised that when a person takes the initiative to obey God and pray, he is ridiculed and became a source of ridicule.”

Dr. Saud Saleh emphasized that individuals have the right to practice their faith, even in the workplace. He added, “The artist has no right to criticize those who obey God and His Messenger and seek to return to the right path.”

Ilham Shaheen Responds to Backlash: “There is a Campaign Against Me”

In response to the controversy surrounding his statement, Ilham Shaheen stated, “There is a clear campaign against me, and it is clear that they are tired and too busy with my opinions, and my name sold to them and my opinions are my own and I don’t impose them on anybody.”

Ilham Shaheen expressed his disregard for social media criticism, saying, “I am not at all concerned about social media and making fun of people, and I know that I have enemies and I know the reasons. After the dogs barked, the caravan moved on.”

Ilham Shaheen’s Message to His Critics

Ilham Shaheen concluded by saying, “Thank you for a pure and sincere heart… and an open, enlightened mind.” He also addressed his critics, stating, “There may be people who are spiteful and hateful because my character annoys them, or deceives them or makes them mad, everyday stories and anecdotes about Ilham Shaheen do not interest me and I call them sick people, die in your anger.”