“Furqaan Academy in collaboration with Muslim Association of Bolingbrook and Islamic Center of Naperville hosted a Free TUG OF WAR live movie screening event in Chicago and this event brought a lot of attention particularly to youth in our community.

Boonaa has done a great job bringing the issue of homegrown terrorism and how it can be prevented. He has explained how our youth can be misled and the lack of support in our communities can cause serious damage in their lives and their families.The youth were excited to see Br. Boonaa and meet him in person. We need more leaders like him to be a role model for our youth. ”

WajahatSayeed
Founder and President
Al-Furqaan Foundation

“The film was indeed, as advertised, very professionally made and complied with the shariah requirements. It was definitely a source of halal and meaningful entertainment. The post film presentation fit in perfectly with the message of the film and was very beneficial and almost necessary aspect of the film’s experience.

This was the first time that the Darwin Muslim community was having this important discussion of this rather taboo topic on such a large scale. The management of the Islamic Society of Darwin completely supports such projects. Given the age of the films and media will live in, it is essential that difficult topics such as these are explored via these means so that they appeal to and thus educate the masses of the Muslim ummah. It is also very important that Muslims themselves take the lead in these projects so that we are able to authentically proclaim our narrative instead of someone else doing it on our behalf.

Mohammed Raziuddin
President
Islamic society of Darwin

“There has been a desperate need for mainstream Muslim artists to step up and make a seat at the table where stories have, for too long, been told about us-without us. Boonaa Mohammed has done it by bringing to life this thoughtful, sensitive, and honest story through quality production.

In Tug of War, the complex nuances of Western Muslims are captured (finally!) in a manner that does justice to reality. To play a small role in reminding our communities, within both our Muslim and non-Muslim circles, the immense value of using our voice through art by hosting a screening was uniquely rewarding.

Though this film touches on potentially difficult topics, the need for introspection and discussion regarding them is necessary. And this movie has, among many things, helped facilitate the crucial process of looking in the mirror and beginning these conversations within our masaajid, MSAs, schools, homes, and institutions at large.”

IfrahInam
Ameerah of QableetZumZum
Boston Chapter of Almaghrib Institute

“I was surprised at the high quality of the production of the film. The high level of script-writing, story-line and videography, which is all based on true experiences narrated from Imams and local Muslims residing in North America.

The post-film presentation by Boonaa Mohammed made the whole audience feel like they are part of this global project. It helped to clarify any questions the audience had, and provided in depth details about the production of the film. It also helped to inform audience members about how they can best fight against radicalization.

The work that Boonaa Mohammed’s doing is extremely important, especially in today’s society where media is the most dominant form of communication. This is the most powerful and effective way we can spread the beautiful message of Islam. We need to keep supporting projects like this, so that they become stronger and even more effective at propagating the true teachings of peace and Islam, to the entire world.”

Khalil Abdul-Malik
Youth Director
Islamic Information Centre of Southern Australia (IICSA)