Popular Kid’s Show Fireman Sam Slammed For Dissing The Koran In Islamophobia Row


It would appear that even kids’ TV shows are not immune from Islamophobia after a character in Britain’s beloved Fireman Sam was accused of treading on a page of the Koran in an episode called “Troubled Waters.”

The makers of the popular Fireman Sam have “apologized unreservedly” for the actions of the cartoon character who has been accused of flagrantly disrespecting the Koran, and the episode in question has now been removed from Channel 5’s streaming site.

Eagle-eyed and obsessive viewers of the kid’s TV show about a heroic fireman who goes around the place doing heroic things, have accused a bumbling character called Elvis of tainting the wholesome and feel-good factor of the show by disrespecting the Muslim holy book.

The episode, which was first aired in 2014, includes a scene where Elvis in his usual buffoon like manner, takes a tumble while holding a tray containing mugs of tea. Here’s the problem. The piece of paper on the floor which causes Elvis to lose his dignity and send tea splashing everywhere, is a page of scripture from the Koran. At least according to those who have taken great umbrage at the scene and called out Fireman Sam for its hitherto unknown Islamophobic tendencies.

When Elvis slips, he also causes other pieces of paper to fly everywhere as he crashes to the floor Pieces of paper which have been identified by social media users as being taken from the Koran.

According to people on Twitter, one page shows verses 13-26 of chapter 67 of the Koran.

The Daily Mail reports that he chapter in question focuses on the origin of existence, the Day of Resurrection, hellfire and the attributes of God.

Miqdaad Versi, from the Muslim Council of Britain, tweeted, “Have no idea what went through the producers’ minds when they thought this was a good idea #baffled.”

Twitter user BirdsOfJannah wrote, “Islamophobia in @FiremanSamUK? Why are there Quran pages on the floor & flying over the place?”

Another wrote, “Children’s program Fireman Sam stepping on the Quran. SHAME on this program for promoting hatred against Muslims!”

Fireman Sam is produced by Hit Entertainment, which is owned by multinational firm Mattel, who also own the ever popular Thomas the Tank Engine and Bob the Builder.

A spokesperson for Mattel explained how the offending page from that particular episode of Fireman Sam was intended to show illegible text, and they deeply regret that such an error has happened.

“It has been brought to our attention that in an episode of Fireman Sam (Series 9, Episode 7), an image of the Quran is briefly depicted.

“The page was intended to show illegible text and we deeply regret this error. We sincerely apologize for any distress or offense it may have caused.

“We will no longer be working with the animation studio responsible for this mistake. In addition, we are taking immediate action to remove this episode from circulation and we are reviewing our content production procedures to ensure this never happens again.

“Again, we apologize unreservedly to our viewers.”

Fireman Sam creator David Jones once courted controversy when he asked why a veiled woman was not checked by Gatwick Airport’s security team.

Speaking to Radio 4’s Today program in the wake of the incident. Jones recalled how he commented to airport officials, “I wonder what would happen if I covered my face with my scarf.”

“It was a quip. And I expected the guy to say, ‘Yeah, I know what you mean mate’ but when I got to the end and was putting all my stuff back on, I was bagged by a security guard.

“He said, ‘You’ve made a remark which someone finds offensive’ and I was told I had to go with him.”

Iman Ijaz Shaami was so outraged by the clip he asked his Twitter followers to please write to the BBC to complain about it.

Unfortunately the BBC are not responsible for Fireman Sam or any of its content. Channel Five are, and they’ve told the news website Middle East Eye there were no plans to air the episode again.

(Image Via Hit Entertainment)

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