Religion Issue
Cover art: HEAT by Mohammad Alfaraj
Dear reader,
At first glance, religion may seem like a set of beliefs that preach certain acts of worship. With a deeper glance inside religion, one can see that it is a system that has undeniable impact and is intertwined with almost every aspect of our lives: traditions, cultures, politics, economies, and more. However, what is often missed in our public discussions and personal conversations is the impact religion has on the way we view ourselves and the rest of the world — religion provides us, like any belief system, with lens that helps us make sense of ourselves and our surroundings. Even if this angle is discussed, it is assumed that our lenses are identical. This approach then neglects that each person has a different experience and relationship with religion, suggesting that those who embrace one religion, for example, are a monolith. And that is not the case.
Earlier this year, we asked creatives across Saudi to reflect on religion. We invited them to share with us how they understand and…continue reading the editor’s note
On Palm Fronds and Cinema: An Interview with Mohammad Alfaraj
