Ep 2. can you hear me now?

Ramy season 2 episode 2 "Can You Hear Me Now?" continues to explore the life of Ramy, a first-generation Egyptian-American living in New Jersey. In this episode, Ramy is struggling to find balance between his faith and his desire to connect with others.

Ramy's mother has returned from Egypt and is staying with him, which makes it difficult for him to find any alone time. Ramy is dealing with a lot of guilt and shame, due to his lack of hand-washing during prayer, and he's worried about what his mother thinks of him.

Throughout the episode, Ramy's social anxiety is highlighted through his interactions with others. He attends a Jummah prayer with his mother where he is invited to join a brotherhood group. However, Ramy is hesitant due to his insecurities. Later, he meets a girl named Zainab on a Muslim dating app and they connect over their mutual love for the Jonas Brothers. Despite their initial connection, Ramy struggles to find a way to meet her in person.

The episode also touches on the impact of technology on communication and relationships. Ramy's sister Dena is constantly on her phone and neglects to engage in meaningful conversations with her family. Even when she takes a break from her phone, the family finds difficulty in reconnecting with one another after spending so much time on their individual devices.

Ramy's struggle to balance his faith and connection with others is further complicated by the arrival of Sheikh Ali, a visiting cleric from Egypt. Sheikh Ali is known for his fiery sermons and strict stance on the "haram," or unacceptable behavior in Islam. Ramy is initially excited to hear Sheikh Ali speak but begins to feel discouraged when he realizes that his own behavior might be considered haram.

Sheikh Ali's arrival causes tension within the community, and Ramy becomes increasingly disillusioned with the rigidity of the religious community. He's unsure of how to find a way to connect with others while still maintaining his own beliefs.

Overall, "Can You Hear Me Now?" is a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of faith and relationships in a modern world. As Ramy navigates his own personal struggles, viewers are invited to reflect on their own experiences with faith, community, and connection.