Comic Mirza hosts BBC1 Islam show

Muslim comic Shazia Mirza is to present a BBC1 programme about Islam.

The stand-up, who has been criticised from within her faith by those who believe Muslim women should not appear on stage, will host 10 Things You Always Wanted To Know About Islam (But Were Afraid To Ask).

She says that for many of her audience, she is the first Muslim they feel they
can ask questions of.

So in the half-hour show she is addressing topics such as arranged marriages, the significance of not eating pork, and why Muslim women must cover up.

Mirza also explores the link between the English language and Islam ­ for example, that arsenal is an Arabic word.

The show airs on November 6 at 11.35pm

Published: 19 Oct 2002