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Disregard for Islamic values sparks divisions within ZDF, alleging disrespectful insolence towards Islam.

ZDF series sparks controversy and disdain, particularly among Muslims, due to content deemed offensive and disrespectful.

Unresolved internal discord within ZDF, marked by disrespectful and offensive behavior towards...
Unresolved internal discord within ZDF, marked by disrespectful and offensive behavior towards Islamic beliefs.

Disregard for Islamic values sparks divisions within ZDF, alleging disrespectful insolence towards Islam.

In the digital sphere, a heated discussion has emerged regarding the accuracy of the ZDF miniseries 'High Stakes' in depicting the lives of young Muslim women in Germany. The series, which chronicles the story of a headscarf-wearing Muslim woman named Ayla Güner, portrayed by Via Jikeli, has sparked a range of reactions.

On one side, viewers contend that the series should be viewed as entertainment, not a documentary based on real events. They laud the show, emphasizing that it's merely a work of fiction. On the other hand, many Muslims express displeasure with the series, finding it disrespectful towards Islam. Critics have also accused ZDF of being disrespectful towards Islam, particularly in the portrayal of gambling, which is haram - strictly forbidden - in Islam.

The six-part series explores Ayla's double life between faith, family, and the world of poker, as she strives to finance her dream of interning at NASA and becoming an astronaut. Ayla's financial struggles are highlighted, as she is rejected for scholarships and her parents cannot help. This financial challenge leads her to gamble, a decision that has sparked further controversy.

The concept for 'High Stakes' was initially conceived by Orkun Ertener over a decade ago, with a focus on poker. The series was ultimately realized with the help of co-author Kathrin Tabler, who shifted the focus to Ayla, a young Muslim woman who plays poker to fund her NASA internship.

However, the controversy has not been confined to the Muslim community. Critics of Islam have also left negative comments about the series. As the debate continues, some Muslims feel increasingly unwelcome in Germany, as suggested by the title 'The Double Life of a Muslim Woman - 'I Find This Offensive''.

One critic labeled the scriptwriters 'lost in their own delusions', while another defender of the series stated that it's crucial to remember that it's a work of fiction, not a documentary. The debate persists, with both sides presenting their viewpoints on the portrayal of young Muslim women in Germany through the lens of entertainment and cultural sensitivity.

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