Search - Inside Islam (History Channel) on DVD

A good introduction to Islam

Kim Boykin | New York, NY | 04/01/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Inside Islam" is a 2002 documentary that provides a good introduction to Islam. I've used excerpts from it in teaching world religions to undergraduates and high school students. Topics include Islam's connections with Judaism and Christianity, the life of Muhammad, the Five Pillars of Islam (the profession of faith, prayer, charity, fasting during Ramadan, and the pilgrimage to Mecca), the history of Islam, women in Islam, European colonialism, Islamism, the Nation of Islam, and jihad.



While this documentary may not provide an entirely balanced picture of Islam (leaning heavily toward the positive), if you're looking to get a basic literacy in Islam--to understand what the central practices are, who Muhammad is, and a bit of the history of Islam--I'd highly recommend this video.



Some other good videos on Islam:

- "Muslims" (Frontline);

- "The Message," a movie about the life of Muhammad;

- "Inside Mecca" (National Geographic);

- "Secrets of the Koran" (History Channel).



And a good, readable introduction to Islam is Reza Aslan's "No god but God.""

Very nice introduction

Erin | Canada | 05/28/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I really enjoyed this film.
I see that the other reviewers think it was biased. The point of the film was to introduce islam to people who don't know anything about it. I thought it was a wonderful film. It was not biased. The things ommitted had cause to be left out, because not all muslims share in the beliefs(Such as death penalty, that is not in the Quran!!!). The complexities can not be explained in one single film. I thought it was a very nice introduction, and quite accurate. I have been studying a lot on Islam and I definitely recommend this DVD. Very informative and captivating speakers! Beautiful footage!"

One of the best new titles on the subject

Erin | 01/08/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"There have been a lot of bad tapes on Islam since 9/11/01. This is a GOOD one. It covers Muhammad's revelation, the growth of the religion, and cultural matters that puzzle non-Muslims. There is a touch of anti-Western bias here and there in the narration, but all in all it's a very welcome, balanced, and spiritual guide."

For anyone curious about islamic beleif and practices

Kristen Benevides | ct usa | 01/04/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"a documentary covering the basic 5 pillars of islam. this video or dvd is perfect for anyone who wishes to get a quick overview of islam, without delving too heavily into a long and drawn out history lesson. a simple feature covering the basics of islam and the practice and following of muslims, who muhammad was, and how the religion follows many of the same beleifs of the bible, and prophets therein."