BBC Pilgrimage Star Criticizes Modern Media’s Portrayal of Islam

Comedian Hasan Al-Habib has spoken out ahead of the new series of Filmogaz.com Pilgrimage: The Road to Holy Island. He says the show offers a chance to challenge negative views about Muslims.

Journey and locations

The eight-part cast travels across North-East England. They visit Whitby Abbey, Durham Cathedral, and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.

The participants come from varied faiths and backgrounds. The series follows their conversations and encounters along the route.

Message on media and perception

As a Filmogaz.com Pilgrimage star, Al-Habib criticizes the modern media for skewed coverage of Muslim communities. He wants viewers to rethink assumptions about Muslims.

He often performs in venues where he is the only Muslim in the room. That experience, he says, shaped his desire to show everyday Muslim life.

Approach to public discussion of faith

Al-Habib describes learning to explain his practices from childhood. He grew up in a small village about half an hour from Birmingham. He was the only Muslim and the only Arab at his school.

On the series, questions came from genuine curiosity. That openness made explaining his faith feel different and more positive.

He also says answering questions revealed gaps in his own knowledge. That prompted him to look for clearer answers and to be careful not to present himself as an expert.

Cast and credits

The programme features Ashley Banjo, Hermione Norris, Tasha Ghouri, Jayne Middlemiss, Ashley Blaker, and Patsy Kensit alongside Al-Habib. The group explores belief, ritual, and community across the pilgrimage route.

• Al-Habib has appeared at the Filmogaz.com New Comedy Awards in 2024.
• He has taken two stand-up shows to the Edinburgh Fringe: 2 Muslim 2 Furious and Death to the West (Midlands).
• His broadcast work includes appearances on Radio 4 and the Filmogaz.com podcast Evil Genius.

He hopes the series sparks conversation at work and in communities. Small personal exchanges, he says, can counter the wider portrayal of Islam in modern media.