:salam2:
So I finally watched the DVD,had almost forgotten about it. Though I haven't watched a lot of Islamic documentaries, I think they have done a pretty decent job. The documentary revolves around the explanation of Islam as seen and understood by eight 'experts/academics' on Islam, some of them 'scholars of comparative religion', though I don't know if all of them are muslim.
(I am going to briefly sum up what the documentary contains).
The documentary starts of by briefly mentioning about the 6th century Arabia and the evils that existed at that time, before the prophethood.
It then talks about Quran and how it's message is valid for all humanity and not just muslims.
Then they explain the concept of God according to Surah Ikhlas and Ayat ul Qursi and mention that 'Allah' as the One and Only God, the same god of all Abrahamic faith.
It then talks about the creations of Allah and about 'fitrah' and how nature submits will to Allah and is 'muslim'.
It then talks about creation of 'Adam' (A.S) and how Allah swt honored humans as his representatives on earth.
It also mentions that muslims don't worship Muhammad (SAW) but greatly revere and love him as he is best person to walk this earth.
The second part of the documentary which deals with 'family' , 'men and society' and 'Women' is really well presented. It would certainly portray a good positive image of Islam to non-muslims, if they were to view it.
It emphasizes the importance of marriage and the condemnation of zina, same sex marriage , homosexuality etc.
It talks about how Islam gave rights to women such as owning property etc in the 7th century which the western women have come to enjoy only in the recent past.
I particularly liked the explanation by Jonathan Brown (who is a revert btw) about 'modesty' in Islam. The way he puts it is easy for any non muslim to understand the position of Islam on women covering up.
The last and largest segment is reserved for the highly sensitive and controversial subject of 'Jihad'. They explain how it doesn't mean 'holy war' and that 'holy war' was actually coined by a Pope in 11th century during the Christian crusades against Muslims. And muslims were referred to as 'infidels' (Now that's something I didn't know !).
They also explain that Islam has rules and regulations for combat as well and that women and children can't be harmed and places of worship can't be destroyed etc.
It ends with a philosophical epilogue. " God doesn't live in Mt Sinai or Makkah. He lives in the souls and intellect". I am highly doubtful that it is Islamically accepted view.
The only thing that I feel they left out is '5 pillars of Islam' and ' 6 articles of faith'.
Anyhow, it was a worthwhile investment of time and is a good watch for people who are getting introduced to Islam. A lot of good potential dawah material in the second half of the documentary. Jonathan Brown, Joseph Lumbard and Nancy Ali are the pick of the lot among the panel who contributed to this documentary.
Sister a_muslimah86, I hope you have got a good idea about it if you haven't already purchased it.
Wasalaamalaikum waa rahmatullahi..
