All American Muslim: Episode 1, Shadia and Jeff's Wedding

Shadia Amen and Jeff

I watched the first episode of All American Muslim and I enjoyed it.  There were no theatrics, fights amongst the cast, cursing, yelling or drama, like on other reality shows.  Instead, there was calm, rational discussion about the Muslim way of life from the conservative and liberal points of view.  It was entertaining, interesting and educational.

The first episode deals primarily with the wedding of Shadia, a Muslim, and Jeff, her Irish, Catholic finacee.  In order to please Shadia's parents, Jeff has decided to convert from his religion to hers.  He feels that his religion is secondary to his love for her.  During one of the discussions, it was said that a Muslim man can marry a woman of any religion, but a Muslim woman must marry a Muslim man.  In any case, the conversion is a relatively simple matter and Shadia's father even helps Jeff to learn how to pronounce the words he must say at the ceremony.  Jeff's mother is a little upset about his decision to change religions, but ultimately wants whatever makes him happy and he is an adult, so she has to accept it.  At the wedding they try to blend both cultures in with Jeff's cousin performing some Irish folk dancing and Shadia's relative performing belly dancing.  There is no drinking at the wedding, Muslim rules forbid it...too bad for the Irish family.

The newly weds look very happy.  I expect there will be many adjustments for them to make.  Cultural differences can be difficult, especially in the beginning of the marriage.  I don't know if season one is long enough for us to see that, but the previews of next week show Jeff emotionally upset about something.

Of course, throughout the show, they introduced the other families and gave us a little background on them.  I have to say the show is very refreshing from other reality shows. Without all the drama, they are able to really tell viewers a lot about themselves.

This seems like a great show, with 5 diverse yet Muslim families, to give us some insight into the culture and traditions of that community.  I feel like I have learned a lot already.

Picture credit: TLC

All American Muslim: The Zaban Family

The Fouad and Zaynab Zaban are a conservative Muslim couple with four children: Jamilah, Ayah, Mohamed and Fatima.  Fouad is the head coach of a football team at Fordson High School, Zaynab is a part-time secretary and the two older girls, ages 10 and 11, wear the hijab to school.  

It will be interesting to see how they balance their conservative religious traditions in a non traditional community settings of jobs and school.

All-American Muslim: The Jaafar Family

Mike is a Deputy Chief Sheriff and has worked in law enforcement for 17 years.  He married his high school sweetheart, Angela, a consultant to a major auto manufacturer.  Together they have four young children: Jenna, 10;  Julia, 8; Jad, 4; and Ryan, 3.  A couple with busy careers and family responsibilities, the Jaafars consider themselves a modern Muslim family.  They are participating int he series to help increase sensitivity and awareness for their community.  

Picture credit: TLC

All-American Muslim: The Bazzy-Aliahmad Family

This seems to be a unique family.  Nina was raised in a community of devout Arab-Americans who practice Muslims cultural practices as part of their daily lifestyle. While Nina's mother is very traditional and wears the hijab, Nina is nontraditional. She is a very ambitious business woman and has opened up her own nightclub. Considering the conservative nature of her culture, and the fact that this type of business is predominantly run by men, Nina is taking on a challenging venture.  She is married to Ali and they have one son, Andre, age six.

Picture Credit: TLC

All American Muslim: The Aoude Family

Nadar and Nawal are newly weds, expecting their first baby and trying to balance their traditional Muslim roots with the American culture. For the most part they are a traditionally minded couple.  It will be interesting to hear about how they plan to raise their son, when he is born.  I imagine it will a little difficult as the two cultures are so very different in many ways.  The American culture is very liberal and the Muslim traditions so conservative.  Striking a balance between the two cultures, on top of parenting, may prove to be challenging.

All American Muslim: The Amen Family

Mohsen and Lila Amen have four children – Suehaila, Shadia, Bilal and Samira.  Each member varies in the way they practice the doctrines of their failth, from conservative to liberal.  Suehaila is 32, single and very conservative. Her sister Shadia is the rebel of the family and has tattoos, piercings and doesn't wear the hijab. Samira is the youngest and is married to Ali, but having fertility problems.  She leans towards the conservative, traditional practices and has taken to wearing the hijab to improve her relationship with God. Bilal is the unmarried son who leans towards traditional values.


For many more details on this family click on the link below.  As you pas your mouse over their picture more information will pop up for you to read.


Link for info:TLC All American Muslim: Amen Family Interactive Picture

All American Muslim: Mike & Angela Jaafar

Access Hollywood interviews Mike and Angela Jaafar, cast members of the new show All-American Muslim.   The couple has four children and live in Dearborn, Michigan.  Mike is a police officer.  They say they agreed to become involved in the series to show that Muslims are not how they are stereotypically viewed by Americans.  They feel Muslims are misunderstood because there is fear of the unknown.  They live in a diverse neighborhood and have friends of all nationalities and religions.  They talk about how they explained to their children why they decided to be on the show.  

I have to say this is a refreshing change from the drama on Russian Dolls.  This couple seems very down to earth and open about their life in Michigan.  It will be interesting to compare the two ethnic series and see how they are similar and different.  If you watch the video below, let me know what you think.

Video and Picture Credit: Access Hollywood

All American Muslim: A New TLC Show

The Jaafar Family

Well they say when one door closes another door opens and so it is with blogs.  As we say goodbye to Russian Dolls, whose time has come and gone, we can now welcome All American Muslim to the television screen.  Another group of Americans wants to educate us about their culture and traditions and have a story to tell.  It could prove to be interesting!  And already there is one big PLUS, there will be no Marina!

So I watched the video and I am intrigued.  Already I see a difference in the two shows, the Muslims do not seem to be "acting" but more genuine.  Of course it is hard to say much with only a minute and a half to go on.

The show is an eight part series and will premiere on November 13th.  It will follow 5 different Muslim families from Dearborn, Michigan.  Dearborn is a suburb of Detroit and has a large Arab-American population.  The show will deal with the issues they had to face after 911, ten years ago.  They will have some diverse cast members, such as two sisters who are opposites: one wears a headscarf and prays every day and the other has tattoos which are illegal in Islam.  

Unlike Russian Dolls, whose community was outraged at the way they were being portrayed, Muslims of Dearborn feel that the show is going to do a lot to help all Americans understand more about their beliefs, concerns and challenges.  Check out the video and see what you think?

Picture and video credit: TLC