MAIL Online: The BBC has received more than 100 complaints after EastEnders showed a Muslim breaking their Ramadan fast by eating a snack on the soap opera.
It is believed that a large number of Muslims were angered by the recent storyline involving character Masood Ahmed claiming it insulted their religion.
The married Asian postman, played by Nitin Ganatra, was spotted by wheel-chair bound character Ian Beale having a bite to eat during the holy month.
During Ramadan, which ended earlier this week, Muslims are not meant to eat or drink between the hours of dawn and sunset.
The plot was meant to show the character's 'fallibility' according to bosses, but it seems to have backfired with a number of the soap's loyal viewers.
As a result of the short scene, aired earlier this month, the corporation received about 110 complaints amid claims it had been wrong and offensive.
Some complained that it had trivialised a very serious religious experience while others are understood to have said it was not realistic.
Now the BBC has been forced to issue a statement saying it did not mean to cause any offence by the storyline.
A BBC spokesman said: 'Although Masood is a practising Muslim he is not intended to be representative of the British Muslim experience.
'He's a fictional character with flaws who realises he has let himself down in a moment of weakness.'
The soap showed the character being repentant for what he had done. … [Source: Mail Online] By Paul Revoir | October 2, 2008
Comment and read the rest of the story (which is not related to Islam) here.
The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Dust Jacket Hardcover, direct from the publishers (UK) >>>
The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Paperback, direct from the publishers (UK) >>>
