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Films on Islam

1. A star (*) next to a film indicates that portions of that film might be shown in class in the course of the semester.

2. All films are in DVD format, unless indicated otherwise. 3. They are available: at the Madden and Fresno County Public Libraries, via Netflix, &/or on-line. 4. For the on-line films, you can click on the link and this will lead you directly to the film. 5. Please be advised that a few films have the following notice: Warning: Contains scenes which

some viewers may find disturbing. It is up to you to decide whether you watch them or not. 6. Some on-line films might be VOD. 7. Let your instructor know if a link is no longer working.

Islam, Empire of Faith*: (163 min.) – Gardner Films Production in association with PBS and Devillier Donegan Enterprises (2001). Available at the Fresno County Library & on-line at: http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/islam-empire-faith/ Synopsis: Documents the rise and growth of Islam throughout the world, from the birth of Prophet Muhammad in the 6th century through the peak of the Ottoman Empire 1000 years later. To see a virtual Hajj:

http://www.pbs.org/muhammad/virtualhajj.shtml

There is no god but God: VHS (52 min.)— BBC c1977 [distributed 1987] Available at Madden Library Synopsis: Eyre visits Egypt to explore the experience of Islamic worship. Includes interviews with a number of Muslims who discuss their personal attitudes and approaches to their religion.

3. The Five pillars of Islam: VHS (30 min.) – RM Productions c1988.

Available at Madden Library Synopsis: The essential principles on which Islam rests--the five pillars--are discussed, described, and put into historical perspective in this program. Viewers are introduced to the huge international mosaic of Muslim believers, and the conflict between traditional teachings and the effects of industrialization.

8. Living Islam series: 6 VHS (50 min.)

All films available at Madden Library BBC-TV Production in association with Ambrose Film; producer, John Percival. c1993.

Vol. 1 – Foundations Synopsis: An introduction to the essentials of Islam. The tenets of faith are deeply woven around the life of Muhammad, the Prophet of Allah. The program finds a living saint in the dunes of Timbuktu converting pagan villagers to Islam in the exact manner of Muhammad. And across the world, as the Prophet did in his time, Muslims learn to balance din (religion) and dunya (life).

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http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/islam-empire-faith/
http://www.pbs.org/muhammad/virtualhajj.shtml
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Vol. 2 – The Challenge of the Past Synopsis: The many differences in Muslim thinking today are the result of influence of three major Islamic empires. The Ottomans were confronted by Europe and Christianity accounting for the "western" approach of many Turkish Muslims; the Mongols achieved a synthesis with Hinduism that produced such beauty as the Taj Mahal, while the Saffavid dynasty was characterized by the Shi'a/Sunni split which is still acted out in southern Iran in the Taziya pageants. Vol. 3 – Struggling with modernity Synopsis: Looks at the tensions within Islamic states as they attempt to make their laws and practices compatible with the Twenty-first century while remaining true to the spirit of the faith. Vol. 4 – Paradise lies at the feet of the mother Synopsis: This program looks at the role of women in Islam and in Muslim societies in the Middle East, Asia and Nigeria. Vol. 5 – Among the Non-Believers Synopsis: Over 40% of the world's Muslims live as minorities, but is it possible to live a true Muslim life outside of the Islamic world? This program asks whether Muslims suffer particular discrimination or difficulties compared to other minorities. And does life in a secular society compromise their faith? Vol. 6 – The Last Crusade Synopsis: As many nations both West and East, from Algeria to Malaysia, face an Islamic revival, this program looks at the revolutionary and reforming spirit of Muslims. Locations visited include Jerusalem, Cairo, Kadvna and Teheran.

Muhammad: Legacy of a prophet – 2002 (120 min) Also available at Madden & Fresno County Libraries & Netflix On-line at: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xualnx_islam-muhammad-legacy-of-a- prophet-pbs_news Synopsis: Story of the 7th-century prophet who changed world history in 23 years, and continues to shape the lives of more than 1.2 billion people. The film takes viewers not only to ancient Middle Eastern sites where Muhammad's story unfolds, but into the homes, mosques and workplaces of America’s estimated 7 million Muslims to

discover the many ways in which they follow Muhammad's example. 6. Mahomet: 2 DVDs (273 min.). ARTE France Cie Phares & Balises. 2002

Available at Madden Library Synopsis: Chronicles the life of Mohammed and his legacy. Comprised primarily of interviews with imams, scholars, and individual believers, as well as footage of Islam's most significant historic places.

7. Islam today: VHS (30 min.) – RM Productions and TF1. c1988.

Available at Madden Library Synopsis: Describes Islam today, the conflicts between traditional values and modern lifestyles.

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http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xualnx_islam-muhammad-legacy-of-a-prophet-pbs_news
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xualnx_islam-muhammad-legacy-of-a-prophet-pbs_news
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B000EBGF2W/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=130&s=dvd
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B000EBGF2W/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=130&s=dvd
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8. Islam: VHS (58 min.) – Produced and directed by Pamela Mason Wagner. WNET New York. c1996. Available at Madden Library Synopsis: Bill Moyers and Huston Smith discuss misconceptions of Islam. Discovering Islam as an adult, Smith became enamored with Islamic conceptions of order, justice, mercy, and compassion. Through their trance-inducing dances, the mystics, the Sufis, bring God into the immediate moment.

9. Muslims & America: VHS (59 min.). With Dr. Aziza al Hibri/Islamic Information Service. 2002

Available at Madden Library Synopsis: During this interview Dr. al-Hibri argues for the compatibility of Islam and Democracy. She discusses issues such as the education of women, polygamy, gender equality in Islam, Islamic Law (shariah), and juristic interpretation (Ijtihad).

10. Islamic art: VHS (30 min.) – RM Productions. Films for the Humanities, c1988.

Available at Madden Library Synopsis: "Discusses the architecture and sculpture of mosques and Koranic schools, the illumination and calligraphy of sacred texts, music, the art of the garden, and the influence of the abstract arabesque on Western art."