Euphoria was all the hype and still is even now that season two is over. While we patiently wait for season three set to air in 2024, here’s a thought worth mulling over about a character that made a huge difference not just in the show but for the representation of a religion that is miraculously both heavily criticized and undermined by the western media and society. Ali, the convert Muslim helping Rue in her road to recovery, played by one of God’s gifts to acting, Colman Domingo. Personally, the representation feels subtle, just effortlessly integrated into dialogues. Blink and you’ll miss it kind of thing. Coming from Islamic philosophy or ideology from the character’s perspective or understanding of the Quran and Hadith. It feels like these scenes or lines of dialogue were created with a complete understanding of the Islamic way of life, or thinking rather than it being generalized and solely based on a western look on the whole scripture. To explain more, here is a rundown of two scenes where the character Ali is preachin’.
“Trouble Don’t Last Always, Part 1: Rue” Special
Throughout the whole episode, that is basically just a whole conversation between Ali and Rue, the topic of Islam as a religion is brought up several times in connection to Rue’s troubles; that in her teenage mind and from the way she talks about them to Ali seem like they will last forever from addiction to failed relationship to relapsing. The whole episode feels like an unofficial therapy session for Rue where Ali counterparts every trouble Rue presents with a solid, wise sometimes preachy-toned solution that comes from his understanding of Islam. Things like needing to find a bigger purpose, believing in something bigger than herself or the ocean, forgiving one’s self before asking for forgiveness. A simple reading of Islamic philosophy or interpretation and explanation of the Holy Quran verses, and Hadith (words, actions, and the silent approval of the Islamic prophet Muhammad) on these topics makes the well-versed background and understanding of his fairly new-found religion of Islam crystal clear.
“A Thousand Little Trees of Blood” S2E6
Again, a really telling part of the episode on Ali’s character and how deeply rooted in peaceful Islamic teachings his outlook on life is. This time it is one line in one scene that does that.
After episode five’s shenanigans and the way Rue was out of line with Ali, in episode six Rue calls Ali to apologize, his acceptance of the apology was both really spot on and surprising at the same time. It made me, as a fairly Americanized, Muslim-raised viewer just … gasp, wondering why is there a verse from the Holy Quran in this purely western show?
He said replying to Rue’s apology “The hour is certain to come so we must forgive graciously.”
A clear quote for the Quran “We have not created the heavens and the earth and everything in between except for a purpose. And the Hour is certain to come, so forgive graciously.” (Quran 15:85)
The scene was so simple, yet very touching, as it is telling of the show’s approach on, commenting and trying to present solutions to real-life issues, and representing all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds in the modern American society, while staying true to its character-building, all thanks to the apparently well-versed and cultivated creator of the show Sam Levinson.