With the approach of Ramadan 2025, anticipation is building among Gulf and Arab audiences for one of the most awaited drama series, "Bayt Hamula." The show promises to offer a blend of social drama and light comedy, reflecting family and societal issues with both depth and entertainment.
"Bayt Hamula" explores transformations within the Arab family against the backdrop of internal conflicts and disagreements, showcasing how these can overshadow familial bonds. The series presents a poignant human experience, mirroring the reality of many households.
The plot revolves around a single household housing a large family lacking the harmony typically expected of family units. Jamila, the strict grandmother, strives to exert her influence over her five children and only daughter, employing controlling methods without regard for the emotional turmoil her decisive actions evoke. Tensions rise between family members, especially when old secrets resurface, complicatively intertwining economic, social, and psychological issues. Each family member faces a challenging decision: confront the past and reconcile, or allow these conflicts to tear apart their remaining familial ties.
Set within this tense environment, Jamila attempts to reunite the family, but will she succeed in restoring order to the chaos, or will jealousy, betrayal, and deception triumph over her efforts? The series boasts a star-studded cast, featuring prominent names from Gulf drama which depict the diversity within families, ranging from controlling figures to the ambitious, oppressed, treacherous, hesitant, and rebellious characters.
Notable cast includes Ilham Al-Fadala, Ghrour Safar, Shahd Yasin, Layali Dahrab, Zeina Karam, Sheila Sabt, Fi Al-Sharqawi, Hussein Al-Haddad, Abdullah Al-Bolushi, Mansour Al-Bolushi, Ali Mohsen, Shumlan Al-Amiri, Zainab Yousef, Shaima Qambar, Ahmad Bin Hussein, and Ali Bin Hussein.
The work is penned by Jamila Jumaa, directed by Sa’id Bashir Al-Hawari, and produced by Adasa for Artistic Production and Distribution.
Meanwhile, MBC Network is set to offer its audience a diverse array of programming during Ramadan 2025, spanning comedy, prank shows, social and religious discussions, and cooking competitions, securing its status as one of the most viewed channels during the holy month.
Some highlights from MBC’s Ramadan lineup for 2025 include:
- Ramiz Elon Masr: Comedian Ramiz Jalal returns with another season of surprises, luring guests to experience shocking pranks under the guise of science experiments.
- Broadcast: Saudi artist Hassan Assiri hosts "Broadcast," introducing unexpected comedic experiences with various personalities from different fields.
- Ahlan Bel Sit: A social talk show focusing on modern women, discussing daily topics interactively, featuring influential guests and discussions on women's pressing issues.
- Bin Ahlina: A social program airing on MBC Iraq, showcasing human-interest stories through street explorations around Iraq.
- Tayyab Al-Walida: The second season of this cooking competition returns, engaging 20 mothers competing with their children with emotional and amusing moments, culminating in a grand prize for the winning duo.
MBC is anticipated to announce more surprises within their programming array, solidifying their position as one of the key destinations for Arab audiences during Ramadan, thanks to their varied content appealing to all tastes.
Simultaneously, millions of Muslims are preparing to recite prayers for the arrival of Ramadan 2025, as this holy month symbolizes virtues and blessings. Marked as the opportunity to seek repentance and worship, Ramadan is cherished for the chance to reconnect with God (Glory be to Him).
Throughout Ramadan, prayers take on special significance as both fasting and supplication are means of drawing closer to God (Exalted is He). Notably, Ramadan is regarded as the month of mercy, making it the perfect time for appeals and devotion.
Prayers of welcoming Ramadan and the timing of moon sighting are underway. Recording the moment when Ramadan's crescent is seen is significant; it has been affirmed through the teachings of our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) to invoke supplications particularly at this time, especially during the last ten days of Ramadan.
The official moon sighting for Ramadan 2025 is expected to take place on Friday, February 28, 2025. The Egyptian Fatwa House announced via its Facebook page the aims to view the crescent moon on the 29th of Sha'ban, with the new moon likely appearing post-conjunction at exactly 2:47 AM local Cairo time on the night of the sighting.
Correspondingly, throughout Egypt, the new moon is anticipated to be visible post-sunset and stay illuminated for varying durations across the country, typically between 34-37 minutes.
With the impending month on the horizon, Egyptian parliamentarians are also seeking to approach the programming content scheduled for Ramadan. Member of Parliament, Mai Osama Roshdy proposed initiatives intended to ban scenes depicting smoking, drugs, violence, and nudity from Ramadan drama, emphasizing the month’s sanctity and the need to uplift religious and moral values undermined by social media portrayals.
Roshdy's proposal articulates, "Ramadan holds special significance to Egyptians as it is the month of worship and goodness, calling for the enhancement of our religious and ethical values rather than producing morally bankrupt shows portraying violence, nudity, sorcery, and vulgar language which infiltrate our society and affect our youth. We seek not portrayals of negativity like thuggery and corruption but stories rooted deep within our societal values."
She points out, “There exists an urgent need for impactful narratives addressing society's issues, avoiding content promoting immorality. It’s necessary to reflect the true character of Egyptian society rather than engage audiences with trivial and destructive narratives.” The parliament emphasized this as both traditional values and communal morals must guide producers and screenwriters throughout this blessed month.
With these developments, the anticipation for Ramadan 2025 continues to grow, harmonizing both cultural programming and societal attitudes as the month of fasting approaches.