Anime is a work that is rich in story topics. Even though it originates from Japan, this animation is proven to have introduced various cultures from outside the country, one of which is a story that is full of religious elements, for example Islam.
Even though they don’t present it explicitly or clearly, there are a number of Muslim anime, specifically anime that insert Islamic nuances in some of their plots.
Anime like this might be the right recommendation for you to watch during certain moments, such as during the fasting month.
Below we present several Muslim anime titles that you can watch.
1. The Journey (2021)
dock. Toei Animation/The JourneyThe first recommendation of course comes from anime The Journey or what is also known by its original title, namely Journey: Taiko Arabia Hantou de no Kiseki to Tatakai no Monogatari.
Premiering in June 2021, this anime presented by Toei Animation in collaboration with Yokohama Animation Lab carries a historical theme.
Inspired by the history of the Arabian Peninsula and ancient civilizations, the story follows the struggle of a group of people in an effort to protect the Kaaba in Mecca which is about to be attacked by rebels.
2. Mobile Suit Gundam 00
dock. Sunrise/ Mobile Suit Gundam 00One of franchise anime mechas most popular, that is Mobile Suit Gundam, also presents Islamic elements in the story, precisely through the protagonist Setsuna F. Seiei.
Setsuna is said to come from the Middle East and has the real name Soran Ibrahim. He is motivated to become a Gundam pilot in order to stop all forms of unrest or war throughout the country.
Not only Setsuna, several other characters were also introduced with an Islamic background, such as Marina Ismail who is a female leader in a conflict area, or Ali Al-Saachez as the story’s antagonist.
3. Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
dock. A-1 Pictures/ Magi: The Labyrinth of MagicThen, there is Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic, fantasy series which was first released in 2012. One aspect that stands out in this anime is that several character names seem to be inspired by legends 1001 Nights, namely the characters Ali Baba, Aladdin, and Sinbad.
Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic It is also said to be set in the Middle East. The central character is a Magi figure named Aladdin who has a flute with a genie in it.
Later, Aladdin will be reunited with Ali Baba who plans to conquer “Dungeons” and retrieve the hidden treasures within. The two embark on a dangerous adventure together.
4. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
dock. David Production/ JoJo’s Bizarre AdventureJoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has a character that really emphasizes the Islamic side because one of the protagonists, namely Mohammed Avdol.
This character is a colleague of Joseph Joestar. It is said that Avdol comes from Egypt and he joined Joseph in an effort to stop Dio, the antagonist in this anime series.
5. Full Metal Panic!
Portrait of the Muslim animated character Sousuke Sagara (doc. Kyoto Animation/ Full Metal Panic!)Anime Full Metal Panic! introduces a Muslim character named Sousuke Sagara who is the main character of the story. He is said to have grown up in Afghanistan with a Muslim family.
Sousuke is an anti-terrorist squad who received orders to protect a Japanese student named Kaname Chidori.
It is said that this anime also takes many references from the Koran, although in the overall story, Islam is not the main focus.
6. The Heroic Legend of Arslan
Arslan Senki (Sanzigen/ Arslan Senki)Next, there is anime The Heroic Legend of Arslan or what is also known as the title Arslan Senki.
This anime tells the story of a prince named Arslan who is supposed to be his father’s successor, but the people around him show doubts about Arslan’s abilities.
One day, Arslan’s father, King Andragoras III, was betrayed by his followers. The Persian region was invaded by the Lusitanians and was on the verge of destruction. Arslan did not remain silent, he gathered troops and developed a plan to reclaim the kingdom and gain recognition from its people.
7. Altair: A Record of Battles
dock. MAPPA/ Altair: A Record of BattlesAltair: A Record of Battles is a Muslim anime set in the fictional city of Turkiye that tells the story of the infiltration of a military member who is determined to protect his nation.
In fact, Turkiye itself was inspired by the largest Islamic empire in the world, namely the Ottoman Empire aka the Ottoman Empire.
This anime shows Islamic scenes several times, for example the act of prostration of gratitude performed by one of the characters after winning a war. Apart from that, there are also names with Islamic nuances such as Ibrahim, Ahmed, and Mahmud.
8. Arabian Nights: Sinbad’s Adventures
dock. Nippon Animation/ Arabian Nights: Sinbad’s AdventuresArabian Nights: Sinbad’s Adventures is an old anime from 1975 which takes place in the land of One Thousand and One Nights, specifically Baghdad, Iraq.
Arabian Nights: Sinbad’s Adventures was once a popular anime, especially among children.
The main character is a boy named Sindbad. He took part in an adventure across the ocean with his uncle, then was scattered when a whale damaged the ship they were on.
9. Yugo the Negotiator
dock. Artland/ Yugo the NegotiatorLastly, there is Yugo the Negotiator which tells the story of Beppu Yugo, the world famous negotiator who often succeeded in dangerous negotiations. Yugo plans to study Islam and Pakistani culture.
In this anime, a prayer scene is shown, specifically when Yugo follows his friend who goes to the mosque to perform the prayer.
These are some of the best Muslim anime that include elements with Islamic nuances. Enjoy watching!
