Egyptian actress Hala Shiha has come under fire in recent days over controversial remarks she published on her Instagram account suggesting that working in the entertainment industry is "sinful." The Instagram post earned her the wrath of fellow artists and a permanent ban from the Actors Syndicate. It has also served to highlight the deep divisions between seculars and Salafists in the conservative society.

Shiha's remarks came in response to the release of a music video clip depicting the actress in romantic scenes with singer Tamer Hosni, the costar in her latest film "Not me," shot over a year ago. Shiha has had a change of heart since starring in the film whose screening was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. In recent days, she has renounced acting for the second time, choosing to revert to wearing the hijab. Many of her fans suspect that Islamic preacher Mo'ez Massoud, whom she married in February, may be behind her decision.  

In 2005, Shiha quit acting and started wearing a headscarf after marrying a Canadian convert to Islam. The move stirred wide controversy at the time; ultraconservatives supported her decision while liberals denounced it. Three years ago — after 13 years away from the limelight — she removed her veil, paving the way for her return to the silver screen. But in a surprise move earlier this month, Shiha pulled the plug on her acting career once again, announcing in an Instagram post that she had "repented."    

"I was astonished by the release of the music clip depicting scenes from the film and which coincided with Dhul Hijja, a sacred time [for Muslims], especially as the clip's release came after my latest post in which I made clear who I have become," she wrote in apparent reference to the change in her identity and worldview.