Ep 1. bay'ah

Ramy is an American show that revolves around a first-generation Egyptian-American named Ramy Hassan. The show addresses the challenges that Ramy faces as he navigates his way through the complexities of religion, culture, and societal norms. The show focuses on the many facets of Ramy's life, from his family to his friends and romantic relationships.

Season 2 of Ramy starts off with a gripping episode named "Bay'ah." In this episode, Ramy is confronted with a dilemma that challenges him to rethink his priorities, beliefs, and actions.

The episode starts with Ramy visiting Sheikh Ali's house for a meeting. Sheikh Ali is a prominent Islamic scholar and a spiritual leader who Ramy admires. Ramy's primary intention for the visit is to seek Sheikh Ali's guidance and approval of his goals for the future. He wants to gain Sheikh Ali's support for his new venture- an online Quran tutorial, which he plans to launch.

Ramy's enthusiasm for his project is infectious, and he believes that the platform will help people worldwide learn the Quran and connect with their faith. As he explains the details of his project, it becomes apparent that he is highly motivated to make a difference in the lives of others. He is confident that his venture will be a success, and he is eager to receive Sheikh Ali's endorsement.

However, Sheikh Ali's response to Ramy's request is far from what he was expecting. Sheikh Ali advises Ramy to concentrate on his privileged life, which he has taken for granted. He goes on to point out that Ramy has not paid his Zakat, a pillar of Islam. Sheikh Ali tells Ramy that the first step to begin the Quran tutorial should be to pay his Zakat.

Ramy is taken aback by Sheikh Ali's response. He had thought that Sheikh Ali would praise his ambitious project, but instead, he found himself on the receiving end of a sharp rebuke. As Ramy leaves Sheikh Ali's house, he is met with an unpleasant surprise.

Ramy discovers that his Uncle Naseem is under investigation by the FBI for money laundering. Ramy's family is deeply concerned, and the news of the investigation spreads like wildfire through the community. Ramy is inundated with calls and messages from friends and family, all curious about the situation.

As the day unfolds, Ramy is forced to confront the reality of his family's situation. His parents are distraught, and Ramy is left with a severe moral dilemma. He has to decide whether to turn a blind eye to his family's financial malpractices or come forward and help the authorities with their investigation.

The episode beautifully captures the many layers of Ramy's dilemma. As he grapples with his faith, his loyalty to his family, and his moral obligations, Ramy is forced to introspect and come to terms with his beliefs.

The central themes of the episode revolve around the contrast between the lofty ideals that Ramy sets for himself and the reality of the world he lives in. Ramy's intentions are noble, and he is passionate about making a difference, but the harsh reality of the world he lives in leaves him unsure of his path forward.

Overall, the first episode of season 2 is a gripping and thought-provoking start to the season. It successfully takes the audience on an emotional journey, navigating the complexities of faith, culture, and modern-day life. The show continues to engage the audience with its relatable characters, nuanced storytelling, and insightful commentary on the immigrant experience.