Kuwait: Shiite marriage TV drama hits sectarian nerve

0 Comments | AFP, September, 2007

KUWAIT CITY (AFP) — A Kuwaiti-produced television soap opera highlighting a Shiite form of temporary marriage known as "Mutaa" was bound to be controversial in the Muslim world, even without the title "Sins have a price."

The 30-episode serial prodded what has long been a sensitive difference between the two main branches of Islam -- Shiites and Sunnis -- and struck a nerve among Shiites in the Emirate and farther afield.

"The serial serves the enemies of Islam who are conspiring against the unity of Muslims ... to achieve the goals of evil forces," said prominent Kuwaiti Shiite cleric Mohammad Baqer al-Mahri.

"The screening of the serial would stir the fire of sectarianism that eats up everything, and incite hatred and divisions," he said in a statement....