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Programs presented by young preachers are having the lion's share of TV airtime and viewership in Saudi Arabia this Ramadan. |
JEDDAH — With a focus on bringing the message of religion closer to the everyday problems of the youth, televised religious programs by young Saudi preachers are capturing the limelight during the holy fasting month of Ramadan.
"We are excited to see young preachers leading religious programs this Ramadan," Abdel-Raziq Al-Jabri, a young viewer, told IslamOnline.net.
"Young preachers are more capable of understanding us and dealing with our problems."
Programs presented by young preachers are having the lion's share of TV airtime and viewership this Ramadan.
Among the most-watched are Ahmed Al-Shiqeiri, Ghazi Al-Shemari, Adel bin Ama, Mahdi Bukhari and Ali bin Hamza Al-Emari.
"The (presence of) young preachers is part of efforts by Saudi channels to develop religious programs," said Abu-Bakr Bakader, undersecretary of the culture and media ministry.
He describes Bukhari's "Living with The Qur'an" as one of the most successful programs of the year.
The program features a group of young men competing in memorizing the Noble Qur'an to choose a final winner.
"This is a new addition to the religious programs map," says Bakader.
Rising Stars
Media experts believe young preachers have helped tip the balance in favor of the Saudi channels.
"The channels have succeeded in presenting religious programs that attracted the youth audience," Nabil Hammad told IOL.
He says religious programs with different contents tell an important message.
"This shows that Islamic preaching in Saudi Arabia is catching up with developments."
Many young viewers hope the tendency would continue.
"I hope that young preachers would continue to present their religious message," said Al-Jabri.
Ali Khashajgi, another young viewer, agrees.
"Though I'm not a fan of religious programs, but some preachers have excelled in their programs."
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