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Reflection

By US Desk
10 January, 2025

A man came to the Prophet (S.A.W) while he was delivering the sermon and asked him how to offer the night prayers...

Reflection

BITS ‘N’ PIECES

Narrated by Ibn Umar (R.A)

A man came to the Prophet (S.A.W) while he was delivering the sermon and asked him how to offer the night prayers. The Prophet replied, ‘Pray two rakat at a time and then two and then two and so on and if you are afraid of dawn (the approach of the time of the Fajr prayer) pray one raka and that will be the witr for all the rakat which you have prayed.”

Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 8, Number 462

DID YOU KNOW?

Over 1,400 actresses auditioned for the role of Scarlett O’Hara in the 1939 movie Gone with the Wind.

Gone with the Wind (1939) remains the highest-grossing film of all time when adjusted for inflation, with estimated earnings of around $4.3 billion globally. This epic historical romance, directed by Victor Fleming, has captivated audiences for decades and remains a milestone in cinematic history.

Based on Margaret Mitchell’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Gone with the Wind is set during the American Civil War and Reconstruction era. The film chronicles the turbulent life of Scarlett O’Hara, a strong-willed Southern belle, as she navigates love, loss, and survival in a world turned upside down. Her relationships with Rhett Butler, Ashley Wilkes, and Melanie Hamilton are central to the story.

Reflection

The film is celebrated for its lavish production, memorable characters, and its ability to transport viewers to a bygone era. However, it has also faced criticism for romanticizing the Antebellum South (a period in the history of the Southern United States that extended from the conclusion of the War of 1812 to the start of the American Civil War in 1861) and its portrayal of slavery.

The casting of Scarlett O’Hara was a monumental task, with over 1,400 actresses auditioning. British actress Vivien Leigh ultimately won the role, delivering a career-defining performance that earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. Leigh’s portrayal of Scarlett captured her complexity—charming yet selfish, resilient yet vulnerable.

Clark Gable starred as Rhett Butler, the charismatic and cynical rogue who becomes Scarlett’s love interest. Gable’s portrayal was iconic, with his famous line, “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn” becoming one of the most memorable quotes in film history.

The supporting cast also left a significant impact. Olivia de Havilland played Melanie Hamilton, embodying grace and kindness, while Leslie Howard portrayed the honorable but indecisive Ashley Wilkes. Hattie McDaniel, who played Mammy, became the first African American to win an Academy Award, earning the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.

Reflection

Gone with the Wind won eight competitive Oscars at the 12th Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and received two honorary awards. Its influence on filmmaking, costume design, and storytelling is immeasurable.

Despite controversies surrounding its racial themes, the film is recognized as a cinematic achievement and a reflection of its time. With its sweeping narrative, memorable performances, and historical significance, Gone with the Wind remains an enduring classic, continuing to draw audiences and spark discussions about history and art.