Many Muslim Montrealers rolled with laughter Tuesday as they watched the premiere of the CBC sitcom Little Mosque on the Prairie.

The show pulled in about 2.1 million viewers, a huge audience for a Canadian show....

Tyrone Ishmael, a Muslim Montrealer originally from Trinidad, said the series is a good tool to bring Muslims and non-Muslims closer toward understanding each other.

"The series highlights the paranoia existing in the society now about Muslims and everything related to them - their prayers, fasting, habits, traditions and celebrations," said Ishmael, a former math teacher.

"Through this comedy, we are able to discuss a serious subject and point out the existing stereotyping in our society. The good thing about it is that it does that in a relaxed atmosphere to help us understand our mistakes. I think it will lead people to moderate their views," Ishmael added. [Link]