Faith on Screen: How Malaysia’s "Walid" Inspires Culture and Belief Across Generations
Introduction: More Than Just a Movie
In recent years, Southeast Asian films have increasingly embraced stories that explore religion and spirituality. Malaysia’s 2023 film Walid stands out as a compelling example that goes beyond typical action or drama. This film captures the heart of a society trying to balance modern life with faith and tradition. Its gripping storyline and strong moral messages have attracted viewers from all walks of life, sparking important conversations about Islam, Malay customs, and the role of media in shaping young people’s beliefs.
In this article, we’ll explore how Walid was received by audiences, the values it promotes, and how it blends Islamic teachings with Malay traditions. We’ll also look at how the film connects different generations and why it’s become an important part of Malaysia’s religious and cultural landscape.
The Story and Background of Walid: Fighting for Justice and Compassion
Walid was directed by Areel Abu Bakar and tells the story of a schoolteacher and silat martial arts expert named Walid. He finds himself fighting against human traffickers who prey on refugee children in Kuala Lumpur. The film combines thrilling action with emotional moments, encouraging viewers to think about justice, compassion, and responsibility.
The lead role is played by Megat Sharizal, alongside actors Putri Qaseh, Nam Ron, and Khalid Mboy. Despite being made on a modest budget, Walid surprised many by earning over RM 1 million in Malaysian theaters—a sign of how much people connected with its story.1
Who’s Watching Walid? Analyzing the Film’s Popularity
From the start, Walid attracted a broad audience. According to Malaysia’s National Film Development Corporation (FINAS), over 150,000 people watched the film within the first month after its release.2 Much of its popularity spread through social media, with young viewers sharing clips and discussions on platforms like TikTok and Instagram using hashtags such as #FilemWalid and #SilatUntukAnakYatim.
Many praised the film for showing courage and faith in a way that felt genuine and inspiring. It also caught the attention of Islamic organizations and educators, who recommended it as a valuable teaching tool. Reviews from local media like Harian Metro and international Islamic film festivals further boosted its reputation.
Islam and Morality in Walid: Key Religious Themes Explored
One of Walid’s greatest strengths is how it naturally includes Islamic values within its story. Walid, the main character, is not portrayed as a perfect religious figure but as someone who struggles with doubt and fear. He turns to prayer, dhikr (remembering God), and reflection to find strength when faced with injustice.
The film’s moral lessons are closely tied to important Islamic principles:
- Justice (‘Adl): Walid’s fight against human trafficking reflects the Qur’anic command to stand for justice, even when it is difficult (Qur’an 4:135).
- Compassion (Rahmah): His care for refugee children shows the mercy and kindness encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad.
- Responsibility (Amanah): As a teacher, Walid embodies the trust placed on those who educate and protect others.
Religious practices are shown in everyday settings—prayer gatherings, Islamic greetings, modest clothing, and respectful interactions between men and women. These scenes are portrayed simply and respectfully, making faith feel like a natural part of life.
Preserving Malay Traditions in Walid: The Role of Adat and Silat
Walid also highlights traditional Malay customs (adat), blending them with Islamic values. The martial art silat is more than just fighting; it symbolizes discipline, respect, and passing wisdom from one generation to the next.
The film includes Malay language expressions, traditional clothing like baju melayu, and polite greetings, adding a layer of cultural authenticity. This balance between adat and agama (religion) reflects a well-known Malay saying: “Adat bersendi syarak, syarak bersendi Kitabullah,” meaning custom is based on Islamic law, and Islamic law is based on the Quran.3
Bridging Generations: How Walid Connects Youth and Elders Through Faith
Walid is helping bridge the gap between young and old when it comes to faith. While sermons and books may feel distant or hard to relate to for some youth, the film’s engaging story and relatable characters speak directly to their experiences.
Young viewers identify with Walid’s struggles, while older audiences appreciate the emphasis on responsibility and spirituality. Religious leaders have even used the film in sermons to encourage reflection on justice and compassion.4
In families, Walid has sparked discussions about protecting the vulnerable and standing up for what’s right—topics that resonate across ages and backgrounds.
Walid in the Global Muslim Media Landscape: Realism and Relatability
Globally, many Muslim-majority countries are creating faith-inspired entertainment, from Iranian films to Turkish series like Ertuğrul. What makes Walid special is its realistic portrayal of everyday struggles—urban challenges, refugee issues, and the quiet perseverance of faith without fantasy or exaggeration.
This grounded approach makes the film accessible not only to devout Muslims but also to wider audiences who seek meaningful stories about courage and belief.
Critiques and Challenges: Balancing Faith, Culture, and Artistic Freedom
Not everyone agrees on Walid’s approach. Some critics feel the film leans too much into promoting religious orthodoxy or doesn’t give enough agency to female characters, who mostly appear as victims.5
Another question is whether this success can be sustained. Will Walid inspire more Islamic-themed films in Malaysia, or is it a unique case?
Balancing religious messages with artistic creativity is always tricky. Future films may need to explore fresh ideas while respecting community values.
Conclusion: The Power of Storytelling to Inspire Faith and Culture
Walid is more than entertainment; it’s a cultural and spiritual milestone. At a time when media shapes how people think and feel, the film shows that stories rooted in faith and tradition can inspire positive change.
Its impact is clear—more young Malaysians are exploring silat, discussing social justice, and deepening their religious understanding thanks to Walid.6
As Southeast Asia continues to evolve, films like Walid remind us that faith and culture can grow together, inspiring all generations to stand for justice, compassion, and responsibility.
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