Web series sparks outrage among Muslims in Malaysia, Indonesia

“Bidaah” – meaning heresy – presents rituals that starkly deviate from authentic Islamic teachings 

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (MNTV) — A Malaysian online series about a fictional Muslim cult has sparked outrage among local users and in the wider Muslim world, with its unauthentic depiction of Islamic teachings.

“Bidaah” – meaning heresy – has topped a billion streams in Malaysia and Indonesia. It centers on a young woman compelled by her devout mother to join a religious sect steered by an enigmatic and authoritarian leader.

The woman soon discovers the group’s troubling practices, including forced marriages, unquestioning obedience, and rituals that starkly deviate from authentic Islamic teachings.

The series, which is streaming on Hong Kong’s Viu, reached 1 billion views across its digital platforms on April 3, according to the company.

Indonesians took to TikTok to express outrage and disgust at the series. Influencer Indita Novi said she was repulsed. “I am very shocked by this series,” Indita said. 

The show has also drawn a rebuke from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim), which summoned the filmmakers to discuss the content and recommend edits to certain scenes.

In Indonesia, prominent Islamic scholars have called the series “very dangerous”, warning that such portrayals could foster misunderstanding and prejudice towards academics specializing in the subject and the religion itself.

“This is a character assassination of scholars,” said Tgk Umar Rafsanjani, leader of Laskar Aswaja Aceh, a prominent group in Aceh, Indonesia.

Southeast Asia is home to the world’s largest Muslim population, with Indonesia at its heart. 

Director Erma Fatima has defended the series, saying it was inspired by her own experience. “Bidaah is a true story because I was in such a group a few years ago,” she said in a live stream on Instagram last Friday. She, however, did not name the group.