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The demonization of Islam by the West has a long history, stretching back to the First Crusade at the end of the 11th century. This documentary redresses the balance by showing the riches of Islamic culture and the vital role played by Islam in preserving and building upon ancient wisdom from East and West at a time when most of Europe was stumbling through the Dark Ages. Muslim physicians, mathematicians, and astronomers stretched the boundaries of human knowledge, and Muslim architects created some of the most beautiful buildings in the world.
Islam also offers fascinating insights into key personalities, from Muhammad himself--a simple merchant whose vision of a single deity forged warring tribes into a nation--to great conquerors such as Mehmed and Suleyman, who presided over an empire that stretched from Spain to India. The faith itself is clearly explained, and interviews with historians and religious scholars bring home both its simplicity and the way that it survived huge cultural changes (like the Mongol invasions of the 13th century) to emerge stronger than ever. Islam has often been misunderstood in the West, but this splendid documentary helps to set the record straight. --Simon Leake
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Most helpful customer reviews
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
researched and objective,
By Manfred Collingsworth (Connecticut) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Islam: Empire of Faith (VHS Tape)
I have been a student of Islamic history and thought for a few years now, and like many people, initially felt there was no real Islamic contribution to civilization. I have undertaken a great awakening and learning experience and was terribly happy to see a well researched video which highlighted the many aspects and accomplishments of the Islamic world. It highlights many aspects of Islamic science and art, architecture and philosophy, which we are not exposed to in the West, or readily taught in our schools. It also highlights on the tradition of tolerance and peaceful cohabitation (though not perfect) which permeated much of the Muslim world throughout its history. This actually was one of Islamic civilization's greatest accomplishments, as it allowed for great Jewish and Christian thinkers, as well as Muslim ones, to work together to build a base of knowledge and thought which was unparallel in the world at the time. This tradition actually pre-dates, and directly contributed to, our modern system of universities and centers of learning. I am curious to see how many people will comment on the merits of the video and its production, versus those who will use this forum to spread their hateful ignorant bile against all things Islamic. I think it's incumbent on every person to learn the truth for themselves, and this is a great place to start!
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not about Islam, but about the Islamic Empire,
By A Customer
This review is from: Islam: Empire of Faith (VHS Tape)
This video gets five stars and I highly recommend it because:* it's beautifully filmed and narrated * it has a wealth of information in it * it's a good overview of the birth of Islam and the Empire that was built by the Muslims from the 7th to the 16th centuries. * it's totally hard to stop watching once you start! However, please note that the title is misleading: This is not about Islam. In fact, aside from the belief in one God, the beliefs of Islam are not discussed or explained at all. That's okay -- but the video doesn't make clear the distinction between Islam and the Islamic empire. It's like the difference between the Holy Roman Empire and Christianity. The ones ruling were Christians, but that doesn't mean that all their practices followed the tenets of Christianity. Similarly, although this is about the Islamic empire (including the Ottomans), not everything that the rulers did was Islamic (killing anyone for the sole reason that he has a claim to power is murder in Islam, but this is something some Ottomans did, anyway). So in watching this, please keep in mind that this video is describing an empire that was based on the Islamic faith, but which contained good and bad elements, just like any other empire in the world. Most of all, please do not assume that all that happened in history was sanctioned by Islam. Most rulers throughout the centuries have belonged to some religion, but it doesn't mean that they always complied with that religion. That's my only quibble -- that the distinction is not made clear. Otherwise, this is an excellent source of information, the best video I've seen, about early Islamic culture and achievements. I do recommend it highly.
7 of 9 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great and honest documentary!,
By A Customer
This review is from: Islam: Empire of Faith (VHS Tape)
Its rare that you find a documentary complimenting Islam, and telling the truth about its people and belief. This documentary is exceptional because it is honest, full of facts, and give this great religion its share of respect, among other religions.No religion in the world would encourage terror, and killing of civilians and yet gain so many believers in the world in such a short time. However, I wish the video would continue the history of this empire with a second vollume.
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