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Monday, April 30, 2007

Sticking wtih the Reminder Series

Bismillah ar-Rahmaan ar-Raheem,

When Ummah Films was first launched, I figured I could work on numerous projects at the same time. As time went by, I realized that it wasn't realistic. Many projects require a team of individuals to put something together and as much as we tried putting people together for one film project after another, nothing seemed to work out. At the end of the day, I found myself in front of my camera doing monologue videos. Since I would write, film, edit, and produce the series myself, it didn't require a team of individuals for each filming and thus if the video didn't get done, there one person who could be blamed was me.

These days I find myself traveling to one city after another talking about the series which has consumed a lot of my normal free time. Thus, the release of the videos have been expanded from weekly videos to monthly videos. I wanted to set goals that were realistic and Alhamdulillah I have been able to stick with them. I have been asked via email and in person to continue making the videos because of its impact. As much as I want to work on other film projects, I am usually asked to lead those projects and I honestly can't lead more than one project at a time efficiently. I have decided to focus on only the Reminder series in order to stay consistent. Once I have exhausted the topics which I feel is relevant, then I hope to start a different project InshAllah.

There are other brothers who are working on other projects under the banner of Ummah Films. Like me, they are creative freedom as long as they stay within the framework of halal entertainment. The goal is to keep our intention straight InshAllah. I hope each project is successful but of course, that success is out of our hands. At the end, I don't want Ummah Films to be limited to just the Reminder series and I hope it expands to other film projects.
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Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Islam Channel's promo for 'An Evening with Ali'

Bismillah ar-Rahmaan ar-Raheem,


For all those who couldn't make it to the event in London, Islam Channel has made a promo for an exclusive show of 'An Evening with Ali' featuring Ali from Ummah films. The show will be broadcast on Saturday April 21st at 9pm, on Islam channel SKY 813 or online www.islamchannel.tv

With an estimated 3 million Muslims in the UK, Islam channel reaches nearly 1.6 million there and about 12 millions across Europe. Overall the channel reaches 133 countries globally. The channel does not yet broadcast in the USA and Canada, but it is available 24/7 online and we get an average of 212,474 hits per day.

I never thought when I sat on that chair and pressed the record button for the first time that this videos would ever get so far. Alhamdulillah, it is truly amazing. The success is truly in Allah (swt) hands.
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Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Ali in Northern Calli on May 11th

Bismillah ar-Rahmaan ar-Raheem,

After May 25th, my schedule will become busy for many months. Alhamdulillah, I think I am making the final lap in this speaking tour thing. If my schedule works out, my intention is to make it to an event in Sacramento on Friday May 11th InshAllah and another event in Los Angeles on May 13th.

I am trying to get into ISNA but have had a tough time getting in contact with people there. If anyone knows anyone there, please email me at ali@ummahfilms.com or you can contact me via Facebook InshAllah

your brother in Islam,

Ali
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Saturday, April 14, 2007

Ummah Films' Updates

Bismillah ar-Rahmaan ar-Raheem,

Here are a few updates InshAllah:

1. I am in Chicago and Milwaukee so if you are sending me an email via facebook, it may take longer than normal to respond to (due to limited internet access). This post has the details of the events this weekend here.

2. For all those who couldn't make the "Evening with Ali" event in London, Islam Channel will be broadcasting it this Saturday the 14th of April at 7 p.m.

3. It looks like I don't have to work every weekend which is great news. I only have to work a few of them. That will give me a chance to finish up Season 2 InshAllah. I have the next video ready but I haven't had time to film it yet.

4. I often get asked if I'm coming to this or that city. Every time, an invitation is confirmed, I will post it on the website InshAllah. Also, many people have been sending their ideas for videos so I put a post where you can post your ideas InshAllah. This will make it more organized and easier to manage InshAllah

Ummah Films is not a business for me. I don't charge anything for coming to conferences or doing film screenings. The reward of the hereafter is far superior than anything I can get in this dunya so my only hope is that Allah (swt) accepts my intention and actions InshAllah. Its already hard enough to keep your attention pure when you have the spotlight so mixing money into this project will only make things complicated. The money made from DVD sales and shirt sales goes straight back to the project. If nothing is every made, then the money will be donated to the needy InshAllah. Thus, I have decided to play it safe and do everything for free InshAllah. As much as I would like to accept each and every invitation, its often difficult because there are other things happening in my life. I live a normal like everyone else and the only time I manage to even film the reminder videos are at night - sometimes when I'm suppose to be sleeping :)

I have decided to focus on making the Reminder videos and leave the movie making to the other brothers InshAllah. Thus I will not take any responsibility for anything other than the Reminder videos as each of the other brothers has full control over their own project. One thing I have learned in this process is that some Muslims view issues VERY differently but at the end we will each be accountable for our actions INDIVIDUALLY in front of Allah (swt). Thus, I don't want to be accountable for some other brother's actions especially when I was not part of that decision making.

Originally, I got involved with Ummah Films to make films but somehow something else came out of it. My passion was never to be a filmmaker or anything like that (that is why I never was involved with this stuff before) but rather my passion was to help the Ummah by making them think. Now that we have reached 1.5 million people who have watched the Reminder videos, so there seems to be a strong interest for it so I will focus ONLY on that until I feel that no more reminders are needed InshAllah.

I am not associated with anyone from Ummah Films nor their projects and if you want to judge me for my actions or my views, then do so on the one project that I am taking responsibility for, the Reminder videos.
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Sunday, April 08, 2007

Marriage: The Parent Negotiations

Bismillah ar-Rahmaan ar-Raheem,


Please comment so I know you're watching InshAllah. Also, if you get a chance, rate the video on YouTube too :)

Once you find the person to marry, then you notify your parents. Sometimes, there is drama involved, sometimes there isn't. This video is about all the back and forth negotiations one goes through when dealing with their parents about marriage. Its usually an issue when the parents and their kids have completely different views of marriage. I think many young people who are going through the process can totally relate to this video.

Please feel free to LINK to this video or to post this video onto your website or blog. I have been asked many times to cover this issue so I finally got the chance to do so. Now its in your hands to help spread the video by emailing those you know to check it out InshAllah. There are MANY parents watching this video blog series so InshAllah so I hope by the number of comments below will show them how many Muslims want to do things Islamically. If hope at the bare minimum, it opens the door to discussing this issue with the kids who are going through the process. If the burden is reduced on young couples who want to get married, then that result would be priceless.

I hope the parents out there are watching and reading the comments :) and since the web is anonymous you're more likely to get an honest answer on how people feel about this issue because nobody knows who is who.

I think the parents will be surprised by the number of people (via the comments) who share the similar views of this video. Allah Alim.
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Friday, April 06, 2007

Baba Ali will be in Milwaukee & Chicago on April 13th-15th InshAllah

Bismillah ar-Rahmaan ar-Raheem,

InshAllah I will be at the Islamic Center of Milwaukee's Friday Youth Night from 7:00pm to 10:00pm on April 13th. I will also be speakin at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne (UIUC)'s Annual Spring Camp on Saturday the 14th. Since I'm in the area, I may be at other events as well but nothing has yet to be confirmed. Please contact Br. Aatif (revivetheummah@yahoo.com) if you have any questions regarding either event. I'm just a guest so I know as much as you do :)

Alhamduillah I have enjoyed meeting brothers and sisters throughout this entire process and the experience has been truly priceless.
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Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Baba Ali will be at MSA East in Orlando, FL this weekend InshAllah

Bismillah ar-Rahmaan ar-Raheem,


I will be showing the new video in the states for the first time at MSA East Conference in Orlando Florida this weekend. It will be released worldwide this Sunday InshAllah. I showed the video at the "An Evening with Ali" in London and it has a very positive response there. The is the 2nd video in the marriage series. Its called "Marriage: The Parent Negotiations"
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Monday, April 02, 2007

Muslim Marriage - The Series (The Reminder - Season 2)

Bismillah ar-Rahmaan ar-Raheem,


One of the most popular videos from Season 1 was the one about Muslim Weddings. As I have been guest speaking at different events, I have noticed how many times the marriage issues comes up for both Muslim men and women. So I've decided to expand the original Muslim video into a four video series InshAllah.

#1 Searching for Your Other Half
status: to be announced
This video will deal with the struggles one goes through to find their other half. Back in the days, you would get hooked up because someone knew someone else and it was that easy. These days you have so many options and different avenues. The world is smaller now so you find more and more Muslims marrying into different culures or finding their spouses from across the world. This may sound like something very strange for our parents but it has become normal for most people.

#2 Marriage: The Parent Negotiations
status: completed and released
Once you find the person to marry, then you notify your parents. Sometimes, there is drama involved, sometimes there isn't. This video is about all the back and forth negotiations one goes through when dealing with their parents about marriage. Its usually an issue when the parents and their kids have completely different views of marriage. I think many young people who are going through the process can totally relate to this video.

#3 $25,000 Muslim Weddings
status: completed and released
This video deals with what happens once you have negotiated with your parents and its time for the wedding. Maybe I should have called it "The wife negotiation" video. Nah...we'll just keep it the $25,000 Muslim Weddings. Note the video may be outdated since it was made last summer. With inflation, it could be $30,000 to $40,000 Muslim Wedding.

#4 After the Honeymoon
status: to be announced
This is the final video in the series which will hopefully deal with what happens when the smoke clear and you find yourself married! :) Often times, funny things come up and you learn to compromise but at the same time, its a great learning experience and you begin your journey of life together.
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Sunday, April 01, 2007

Clearing up the confusion

Bismillah ar-Rahmaan ar-Raheem,

Assalammu' Alaikum,

I apologize for any confusion but after reading the comment section, I just wanted to clear up any misunderstandings. I didn't make the last post to ask for money whatsoever. Alhamdulillah, the sales with the shirts and DVDs have given a small source of support which helps pay for such occurrences.

As for the camera, the action has been forgiven. I mentioned the incident so people would understand the reason why I am no longer lending the camera out anymore. Also, it is another reminder for of all us, that when we borrow something, it is amana and that we will be accountable for returning it in the same condition. Once again, the action has been forgiven so I have no bad feelings.

To answer the comment about the camera being Ummah Film's camera: Originally, money was donated to Ummah Films to buy a camera with the idea the FILMS were going to be made with it. So after letting some brothers borrow the camera and not getting any films completed by them for many months, I felt bad. I felt that someone gave me something with the trust that I would be producing Muslim Films with it and I didn't have anything to show for it. Thus, I returned the money to the brother with full amount that he donated (donation refund I guess). I then bought the camera myself using my own personal savings (not Ummah Films money) with the intention of giving the video thing another shot InshAllah. Now I'm not a filmmaker by any means so I decided to try something simple. Instead of focusing on fancy effects, I decided to focus on the content. The goal was to make videos that wouldn't just be entertaining but would also have a point and hopefully promote thought. At the same time, I wanted to start something that wouldn't require the dependence of others. I sat in my chair, turned on the camera, and started the Reminder Series.

Right now, all that Ummah Films owns is shirts, DVDs, and one wireless mic. I purchased everything else with my own money because I didn't want to take someone's money and non fulfill their expectations. Alhamdulillah, those who have bought shirts, wristbands, and DVDs have helped Ummah Films greatly. Without that help, I would have to pay even for the small expenses (hard drive, tapes, etc..) myself. Some people have commented that they want to support Ummah Films but I'm not really sure how that can be done. I guess its a catch 22. If I put an email address for people to donate money to, people would think that Ummah Films is a business, which its not. Many Muslims think that anything Islamically related should be done for free but if its not Islamically related, then its cool if there is profit invovled. At the same time, if we don't have any funds to make videos, then people complain why we there aren't videos. Once again its a catch 22. For example, I really want to try making a short (film) between 7 to 10 minutes long but we don't have enough funds to make it. Yes, I'm willing to put in my efforts for free but I can't speak that from others who I need to help me make this film. I have learned that when I ask for volunteers, I get "volunteer quality". Its hard to explain but that is the only phase I can use to describe it. At the same time, I have found that when I offer money for someone to help me with a project, people treat it like a job and they don't flake and they show up. That's just one side of it. The other side is the customer who has unrealistic expectations and wants any Isalmic related work done supercheap or for basically free. Then people turn around and make copies of that product to everyone, which lowers the number of supporters. Then, when that organization doesn't have any funding (because of bootlegging, etc...), they stop making their product and then the customers complains. Catch 22. :)

Personally, I listen to many Islamic lectures off the net and I find them benifical. Some lectures have helped me gain knowledge while others have reminded me of things that I should and shouldn't be doing. Most importantly, it improves the way I carry myself so I find such impacting lectures priceless. Thus, I support those who making them because I want to make more so I buy their products. I figure if I don't support them, then I can't complain when they stop doing what they are doing. Please don't get the wrong idea, I'm not taking about Ummah Films. I'm talking about Islamic lectures that are beneficial to us.

I'm not a professional by any means but I am trying. I live a normal life like everyone else and somehow I manage to put these videos together. Because I have normal daily things that occupy my time, I find myself staying up in the middle of the night filming the videos. I don't think any video has ever been filmed during the day or evening. It has always been night...sometimes in the middle of the night. Yes, one has to sacrifice things to get things done (like sleep..lol) but my only hope is that Allah (swt) accepts my intentions and I see the fruits of my efforts on the Day of Judgment. This is why it is so important that I constantly remind myself and focus on keeping my intentions pure.

JazakAllah khair for all those who have offered to help by sending money. Please don't do so. This is why we sell t-shirts and dvds. No merchandise profits goes into our pockets so that the little fund we have, it allows us to pay for this. I really do appreciate the gesture and may Allah (swt) reward you all for your intentions. It is so nice to know that people out there really want to help this project.

Honestly, its priceless to know that such viewers are watching. May Allah (swt) reward you all for your intention.

Finally, its funny the amount of times I have been called a Sufi, Salafi, Muslim, Kafir, Sunni, Shia, and the list goes on. The funny thing is all these words are opposites of each other and people have come up with their conclusions by watching the same videos that you have. The very fact that all these conclusions are completely different is funny to me. The reminders are not meant for one particular class or group of Muslims...but rather for the entire Ummah (hence.."Ummah" Films).

I don't want fame or money from Ummah Films. The videos are never about glorify myself but rather they are about reminding the Ummah of things that we should already know. Similar to common sense, I called Islamic sense.

I make mistakes like everyone else. I'm human. For those who know me personally, they can tell you that I don't have an ego whatsoever so if I say something wrong, correct me InshAllah.

JazakAllah khair

your brother in Islam

Ali
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Got an idea for the Reminder? Post it here!

Bismillah ar-Rahmaan ar-Raheem,

Assalammu' Alaikum,

I often get comments on my Facebook wall, emails, messages, etc...regarding topics for the Reminder show that I do. I figured it would be best to put everyone's ideas and suggestions in one central location rather than having them sent to random places so I am putting this post up InshAllah.
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