Ep 2. The Barrier

In the second episode of Little Mosque on the Prairie season 1, titled The Barrier, tensions rise in the small, fictional town of Mercy, Saskatchewan as Muslims and non-Muslims continue to struggle with cultural differences and misunderstandings.

The episode centers around the building of a barrier between the mosque and the church, which has been causing disturbances for the churchgoers. The townspeople are divided between those who support the barrier and those who oppose it. Mayor Popowicz attempts to mediate the conflict, but his efforts are unsuccessful, and the situation becomes more heated when Fred, the owner of the local diner, suggests that the mosque should be shut down altogether.

Meanwhile, Amaar, the new Imam, struggles to find his footing in the community and to win over the respect of his conservative congregation. When he learns of the barrier controversy, he decides to take action by reaching out to Rev. William Thorne, the pastor of the church. Despite initial reluctance, Thorne eventually agrees to meet with Amaar and the two discuss their differences, leading to a heartwarming moment of understanding and mutual respect.

Elsewhere in the episode, Rayyan, the Imam's daughter, grapples with her romantic feelings for Yasir, a Muslim man who is engaged to a non-Muslim woman. As she tries to come to terms with her emotions, she receives advice from her non-Muslim friend, Sarah, who encourages her to follow her heart despite the challenges that lie ahead.

Overall, The Barrier is an episode that tackles issues of cultural differences and misunderstandings with humor and heart. Through the building of a barrier, the show explores themes such as prejudice, discrimination, and the importance of communication and understanding. The characters may have differences in their beliefs and cultures, but they are united by their shared humanity and desire for acceptance and respect.