In a world where superhero stories are dominated by massive entertainment corporations, BURAAQ stands apart as a passion project fueled by the unwavering dedication of just two brothers. This is not the work of a large animation studio, but the self-funded effort of two individuals who believe in making a difference. BURAAQ is the vision of Adil Imtiaz, an artist, director, voice actor, and creative force who, alongside his brother, has spent over a decade challenging the status quo with nothing but raw talent, faith, and an unshakable commitment to positive representation.

A Journey Born from Passion Adil Imtiaz grew up in Karachi, Pakistan, with a love for comics that would shape his future. Without formal training or expensive resources, he picked up comic books, studied the artistry, and taught himself how to bring characters to life. Even as a child, he was drawing, sketching, and creating his own superheroes—heroes that looked like him, shared his values, and stood for something greater.

In high school, Adil created an entire comic book series called "Red Cross" using nothing but school notebooks and a pencil. Inspired by the charitable organization, he managed to produce 22 issues, each filling a notebook. Kids in his neighborhood eagerly awaited each new issue, passing them around and anticipating the next installment. This early passion for storytelling was just the beginning of his journey.
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Fast forward to today, and Adil has worn multiple hats to bring BURAAQ to the world. He is the creator, artist, director, voice actor, and creative director of the entire series. He single-handedly illustrates the BURAAQ comic books, animates the series, and even taught himself Blender to refine his 3D animation skills. His commitment to mastering new tools and techniques is a testament to his relentless drive.

The Mission Behind BURAAQ The reason Adil created BURAAQ was to counter the negative stereotypes of Muslims in mainstream media and the hidden agendas that threaten Islamic principles. Around the world, an alarming trend is pushing narratives that are dangerous to the values of faith, and even Muslim countries are not immune. There needs to be a counter-narrative, and that’s why Adil looked at his God-given talent and decided to do something about it.

Both brothers knew from the start that this journey would be difficult. Not everyone would support them, and there would be forces trying to shut them down. But they had conviction and a duty as Muslims to use their talents to defend their faith and counter this troubling trend. BURAAQ is not just entertainment—it is a movement to uphold truth and integrity in storytelling.

The Struggles of Independent Creation The journey has not been easy. Over the past ten years, Adil and his brother have encountered countless obstacles—financial constraints, limited resources, and the ever-present challenge of going against mainstream media narratives. Every aspect of BURAAQ is self-funded, created in spare hours, late nights, and weekends. Unlike major studios with teams of animators, writers, and marketers, BURAAQ is built from the ground up by two brothers who believe in their mission. Every animation frame, every page of the comic, and every script is the result of their blood, sweat, and tears.

Why BURAAQ Matters BURAAQ is more than just a superhero; he is a symbol of strength, faith, and justice in an entertainment industry that often misrepresents or marginalizes Muslim characters. Adil and his brother know they are swimming against the current, challenging an industry that prioritizes profit over principles. But that’s exactly why they persist. Because the world needs a hero like BURAAQ, and Muslim youth deserve a character who truly represents them.

The Road Ahead The delays in releases are not due to a lack of commitment but rather the reality of independent creation. When you’re building something from the ground up, without corporate funding or studio backing, progress takes time. But with each new comic, animation, and project, the dream continues to grow. And with the support of a passionate audience, BURAAQ will continue to break barriers.

Join the Movement This is where you come in. Imagine what Adil has achieved on his own—now imagine what he could accomplish with your support. BURAAQ isn’t just a superhero; it’s a movement to revive the Islamic spirit and take control of our narrative. Comic books and animated series are just the beginning. The vision is to build a BURAAQ Universe, one that rivals Marvel and DC, filled with diverse and powerful characters who represent true heroism.
But we can’t do it alone. We need you to:

• Spread the word about BURAAQ.
• Subscribe to our content.
• Engage with us through comments and discussions.
• Be active in helping shape the future of BURAAQ.
• Support the project and help fund the dream.

Instead of criticizing, let’s move the movement forward. The entertainment industry is shaped by those who support it. If you believe in BURAAQ’s mission, stand with us and make this vision a reality.

The Boom in Animation & Media: A Golden Opportunity
The entertainment industry is thriving, with animators and media professionals making impressive salaries. In California, animators earn an average of $74,917 per year, with top earners reaching $144,088 annually [1]. Nationally, salaries hover around $64,809, making animation a lucrative and growing field [2].
Globally, the animation industry was valued at $372.44 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow to $587.1 billion by 2030 [3]. The Middle East and Southeast Asia, home to large Muslim populations, are experiencing massive growth in digital content, gaming, and animation consumption. The demand for culturally relevant and halal entertainment is higher than ever. Yet, the Muslim creative presence remains limited.
Industry Growth and Financial Prospects

• Market Expansion: In 2021, Muslim consumer spending on media reached $231 billion, marking a 7.2% increase from the previous year. This figure is projected to grow at an annual rate of 7.5%, reaching $308 billion by 2025 [4].
• Regional Highlights:
  • Middle East: The media and entertainment market in the Middle East was valued at $45 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow to $70.55 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.41%.
  • Saudi Arabia: Holding nearly 30% of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) media market, Saudi Arabia is a dominant player in the region's media industry.

The Problem: Why Aren’t More Muslims Entering This Space? Despite the booming industry, many young Muslims hesitate to pursue careers in media and entertainment. Why?

• Cultural Stigma: Many families prioritize careers in medicine, engineering, or law over creative fields.
• Lack of Awareness: There is little guidance on how to build a stable career in animation, filmmaking, or digital media.
• Fear of Instability: Many believe the media industry offers no financial security, despite data proving otherwise.
• Perceived Conflict with Islamic Values: Some fear that working in mainstream media means compromising their faith.

What’s Happening Now: Outsiders Shaping Narratives: Because of this reluctance, non-Muslim creators dominate global media, often shaping the portrayal of Islam and Muslims. The result?

• Misrepresentation: Muslims are frequently depicted negatively in mainstream entertainment.
• Lack of Role Models: Young Muslims lack heroes that reflect their values and aspirations.
• Cultural Erosion: Without alternative content, Muslim youth are heavily influenced by media that often conflicts with Islamic principles.

The New Approach: Creating Our Own Narratives: It’s time for a shift. Muslims must enter the industry with the intent to lead, innovate, and inspire. A new wave of faith-driven content creators can:

• Develop high-quality halal entertainment that aligns with Islamic values.
• Establish Islamic media production studios that create authentic and inspiring stories.
• Utilize digital platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and social media to distribute content worldwide. It’s time for a shift. Muslims must enter the industry with the intent to lead, innovate, and inspire. A new wave of faith-driven content creators can:
• Develop high-quality halal entertainment that aligns with Islamic values.
• Establish Islamic media production studios that create authentic and inspiring stories.
• Utilize digital platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and social media to distribute content worldwide.

How Can We Get There? Building a sustainable Muslim media industry requires:

1. Education & Skill Development: More Muslims need access to animation, film production, and media training.
2. Financial Support & Investment: Investors and entrepreneurs should recognize media as a valuable industry.
3. Collaboration & Networking: Muslim creatives must form industry networks, share knowledge, and collaborate on projects.
4. Community Support: Families and communities must encourage young Muslims to pursue creative careers.
5. Investment in Infrastructure: Developing state-of-the-art production facilities and providing financial incentives can attract and nurture local talent.

What Can We Do Now? Supporting initiatives like BURAAQ is one of the most effective ways to drive change. By engaging with and promoting faith-driven media, we help build a thriving industry that aligns with our values and provides positive representation. Every view, share, and investment in such projects contributes to the larger mission of reshaping narratives and inspiring future Muslim creators.

• Aspiring Creatives: Start learning animation, filmmaking, or digital content creation through online courses and workshops.
• Parents & Educators: Support young Muslims exploring creative careers instead of discouraging them.
• Entrepreneurs & Investors: Fund and support faith-based media projects.
• Community Leaders: Advocate for the inclusion of media and arts education in curricula and community programs.
• Viewers: Support existing halal entertainment by subscribing, sharing, and engaging with content.

Conclusion: The Time is Now : The media industry is one of the most powerful tools for shaping perceptions, culture, and identity. Muslims can no longer afford to sit on the sidelines. We must invest, create, and lead in this space, ensuring that future generations grow up with entertainment that aligns with their faith and values. The opportunity is massive—the question is, will we seize it?

Sources:
[1] ZipRecruiter – Animation Salaries in California
[2] Salary.com – National Animator Salary Data
[3] Research & Markets – Global Animation Industry Growth
[4] Dinar Standard – State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2023

A 2 Billion Strong Audience, Yet No Industry: The global Muslim population surpasses 2 billion, with consumer spending projected to reach $2.8 trillion by 2025. Yet, despite this economic power, Muslim-centric media remains severely underdeveloped. Unlike South Korea, which deliberately invested in K-pop and K-dramas, or India with Bollywood, the Muslim world has failed to create a thriving media industry that represents its people and values.
The massive success of Turkish productions like Ertuğrul and Osman proves that faith-driven, high-quality content has global appeal. However, instead of building upon these successes, many aspiring Muslim creatives feel forced to compromise their values in order to succeed in Hollywood or Bollywood. The question is: Why haven’t we built our own industry?

The Price of Fame: Why Muslim Creatives Compromise in HollywoodWith limited opportunities in Muslim-majority countries, many talented Muslim actors, comedians, and filmmakers turn to Hollywood and Bollywood. However, in doing so, they often sacrifice their values to fit into industries that don’t share or respect their cultural and religious perspectives.

Case Study: Ramy (Hulu) , Mo (Netflix) and Bilal (Animated Movie)

• Mo Amer, a stand-up comedian, started his career with a strong Muslim identity. However, to achieve mainstream success on Netflix, his show Mo had to water down its Islamic elements.
• Ramy Youssef’s show on Hulu, Ramy, presents a diluted, often problematic version of Muslim identity, designed for a Western audience rather than staying true to the values of practicing Muslims.
• Bilal: The Animated Movie had so much promise but had to strip out the name of the Prophet (P.B.U.H), referring to him instead as a "Noble Man." Rather than calling it "Islam," they labeled it "a movement," and most cringe-worthy of all, they removed the Adhan—the very essence of Bilal (A.S). The film cost $40 million to make but only earned $2 million at the box office. No wonder

These compromises aren’t accidental; they’re necessary for approval in industries that do not prioritize authentic Muslim storytelling. If Muslim-majority countries had a thriving film and television industry, creatives wouldn’t feel pressured to seek validation from the West.

Why Muslim Countries Struggle in Media & Entertainment

 1. No Investment in a Muslim-Owned Media Ecosystem

• South Korea built a $10+ billion entertainment empire through government support.
• India’s Bollywood is a massive industry embedded in national culture.
• In contrast, Muslim countries have no unified strategy to build a media powerhouse.
• Pakistan remains a soap opera/drama nation, and actors look to Bollywood for major stardom instead of strengthening local productions.

2. The Influence of Hollywood & Bollywood

• Muslim artists seek Western validation, thinking success means starring in a Hollywood film.
• Hollywood and Bollywood offer limited roles to Muslims:
  • Hollywood often casts Muslims as villains, terrorists, or sidekicks.
  • Bollywood frequently presents Muslims as stereotypical or secondary characters.
  • Western media tends to dilute or misrepresent authentic Muslim identities.

3. Censorship & Fear of Media Influence

• Many Muslim-majority countries fear “Westernization”, leading to strict censorship laws that stifle creativity.
• Ironically, these same countries consume Hollywood and Bollywood content without producing alternatives.

The Solution: Building a Thriving Muslim Entertainment Industry

1. Invest in the Next Generation of Muslim Creatives

• Encourage young Muslims to explore media careers—filmmaking, animation, writing, directing.
• Parents and educators must support the arts as a legitimate career path, just as they do with engineering and medicine.
• South Korea’s Hallyu (Korean Wave) was a government-backed effort; Muslim nations must adopt a similar strategy.

2. Fund & Support Muslim-Led Entertainment Ventures

• Provide funding for Muslim writers, directors, game developers, and studios.
• Establish film schools, animation hubs, and gaming incubators in Muslim-majority nations.
• Create grants, scholarships, and mentorship programs for young Muslim creatives.

3. Strengthen & Expand Muslim-Owned Distribution Channels

• Instead of relying on Netflix and Hollywood, develop and invest in Muslim-led streaming services (e.g., an “Islamic Netflix”).
• Partner with existing Muslim-owned media companies to distribute authentic content.
• Ertuğrul succeeded because Turkey invested in high-quality production and global distribution—other Muslim nations must do the same.

4. Build a Muslim-Centric Entertainment Culture

• Stop seeking validation from Hollywood and Bollywood.
• Create high-quality, culturally authentic content that reflects Islamic values.
• Faith-driven stories can be universal—just like Ertuğrul resonated with Muslim and non-Muslim audiences alike.

Conclusion: The Time to Act is Now

• Media shapes perception—whoever controls the narrative controls how people view the world.
• With 2 billion Muslims and a rapidly growing entertainment market, now is the time to invest in Islamic storytelling.
• By investing in children, funding local talents, and prioritizing media as a tool for influence, Muslims can reclaim their narratives.
• BURAAQ and similar projects represent the future of faith-driven superheroes and media, but they need community support and investment.

What’s the alternative? Another generation of Muslim creatives compromising their values to fit into Hollywood’s mold. The choice is ours—will we own our stories, or let others tell them for us?