Salam (Interpreting the meaning of JIHAD)

After a brief study of Islamic history and its association with terrorism, I found that the word ‘Jihad’ has meanings far different and deeper than the commonly perceived one of a ‘Holy War’. So I decided to shed some light on the meaning of Jihad via the medium of animation. I have explored the feelings of a mother waiting for her son for years, who in the mean time, has become a terrorist. ‘Jihad’ is an Arabic word which simply means Struggle or strife. In context of Islam it means:

“Striving Or struggling effort expended
By the individual Muslim to walk
In the path of the God”

Then how did it come to mean killing or destroying people in the name of God and religion? This film is an effort from my side to explore this sensitive topic.

A women she cooks foods and wait for some one every day. One day a guy appeared to her at night and it is her son came after a long time. Mean time he became a Mujaheddin (who do Jihad). Its a pleasant night for both. But next morning he saw the commandos are surrounded the house, so he say good bye to his mother and surrendered. He was hanged . And she still cooks for her son and waits for him.

The story deals with a serious topic which made me decide this style. After exploring different style I end up with a style like this which actually carry my story and narration with out any disturb.

Character design and model sheets

Few shots from my film Salam