the Message Continues ... 12/16
Article 12
ISLAM: EMPIRE OF FAITH, A 1000-YEAR HISTORICAL DOCUMENTARY
[ A Review ]
courtesy: Canadian Islamic Congress (CIC) Friday Bulletin, 24 October, 2002)
ISLAM: EMPIRE OF FAITH tells the story of the great sweep of
Islamic power and faith during its first 1,000 years -- from the birth of the
prophet Muhammad to the peak of the Ottoman Empire under the reign of Suleiman
the Magnificent. Evocative reenactments and a remarkable exposition of Islamic
art, artifacts and architecture are combined with interviews of scholars from
around the world to recount the rise and glory of early Islamic civilization. It
is the epic story of a cultural empire that dominated a millennium, encompassed
half the world, and shaped history.
Between the fall of Rome and the European voyages of discovery, no event was
more significant than the rise of Islam. Within the span of a few centuries, the
Islamic empires blossomed, projecting their power from Africa to the East
Indies, and from Spain to India. Inspired by the words of a prophet, and led by
Caliphs and Sultans, this political and religious expansion has not been equaled
in speed, geographic size and endurance, before or since. Increasingly, scholars
and historians are recognizing the profound impact that Islamic civilization has
had on the face of Western culture and on the course of world history. Islam was
the conduit for the intellectual legacies of Greece, Egypt and China -- a
crucible for humanity's cultural
advancement. Its geographic and cultural breadth brought immeasurable advances
in literature, the arts, science and medicine to a Western world still ensconced
in the Middle Ages. Islam was a defining force against which the West pushed --
in war, trade and religion.
This documentary covers the prophetic Messenger, the revelation and early
writing of the Qur'an, the creation of the first mosque, the persecution
suffered by early Muslims and the major battles fought by Muhammad and his
followers to establish and defend their new religion. The rapid religious,
cultural and political expansion of Islam overwhelmed the empires of Persia and
Byzantium, creating a new empire larger than Rome.
The flowering of Islam into one of the great civilizations in history is also
examined. Culture and goods flowed freely throughout a large empire. Islamic
principles and influence spread further a field, affecting the intellectual
development of the West. Arabic became the language of learning; achievements in
art, architecture, science and medicine flourished.
Islam was dramatically transformed by the invading Mongols. Nomads enlisted by
Muslims to fight the Mongols staked their own claims and become known as
Ottomans. The Ottomans in turn transformed the Islamic world, creating a new
empire that expanded westward into Christian territories.
ISLAM: EMPIRE OF FAITH is produced and directed by Robert Gardner and narrated
by noted actor Ben Kingsley. Executive producers are Brian Donegan and Ron
Devillier. The film was produced in association with PBS and Devillier Donegan
Enterprises. It can purchased from www.khatoons.com
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