The Song of Sparrows

 

Insallah

An expression "insallah" was very often used in the movie. In Arabic, it means "Allah willing". It is not just an expression that they use as we use "oh my gosh", it is a word that pretty much can sum up the muslim perspective of life. I think this worldview of Islamic countries is very important to know in order to understand a movie made by muslims. Just like "English" is used in Hollywood movies", "insallah" is always there in Arabic movies.

I heard that it is very hard for athletes to play against Arab players, because they tend to be mentally stronger. If they win, it's "God willing"; if they lose, it's "God willing". They have nothing to lose. They just submit to the will of Allah. When you are playing against Arabs, you are not playing against them; you are actually playing against their principality.

I have already shared during the discussion how Ostrich was a symbol or foreshadowing of Karim(?). In the movie, they made very obvious that things happened for a reason. Nothing in the movie was a coincidence, but rather a soft hand of Allah leading Karim back to home, back to where he belongs. It wasn't his calling to work as a taxi driver in the big city, but "Ostrich" was his calling. No matter how hard he tried, he could not stand against "Allah's will". His need for money which later turned into greed definitely hindered him to get back home, but as the wall collapsed and broke his legs, Allah led him to the place where he was called to be.

It was interesting to see that how a field in front of Karim's house was barren, when he started to wander in the city, but from the moment he stayed home, the field became green and fruitful. Leaving his house more with fruits and guests than junk that he brought from the city. As he submitted to the will of Allah, his field became green, and his house got livelier and filled with fruits. He was blessed as he submitted to Allah.

I felt like what I have shared so far was the dictating theme in the movie, which was subtly executed in a heart-warming way. They did not try to teach us about Allah and their worldview, but they simply made an audience to be delighted by what they believe. I appreciate the art behind it, but it is truly intimidating.

Because they take delight in Allah, they were able to make him delightful.

Do we take delight in our Lord?
Only when we are delighted by our Lord, I believe only then we'll be able to delight others in the same way we are delighted.

Once again, it is a matter of authenticity.