Search - Inside the Koran on DVD

Exploring Islam

Amos Lassen | Little Rock, Arkansas | 05/20/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Inside the Koran"



Exploring Islam



Amos Lassen



It is my opinion that most Americans have no idea what Islam is really about much less what is written in the Muslim holy book, "The Koran". "The Koran" is one of the most ideologically influential texts in the world and there are over a billion Muslim who follow its precepts. However, within Islam there are differences in attitudes about peace, punishment, violence, the status of women and forgiveness, "Inside the Koran" takes a deep look at the heart of the Muslim world to try to see and to understand the history and the state of Islam today. This is a fascinatingly brilliant film that is loaded with insights and that asks all of the right questions. It is both comprehensive and compelling and well as an interesting history of the Muslim world as well as give some insights of what might lie ahead. The religion of Islam is complex and paradoxical and the film clears up some wrongly held ideas.

"Inside the Koran" looks at the lives of those who practice it from ayatollahs to imams to simple farmers as well as women who live behind veils. We learn of their relationship with the holy book and we probe the religion for a better understanding.

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Two Thumbs Up

Jingying Li | 01/06/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I saw this documentary on Nationation Geographic Channel. The video is very interesting and provided alot information the development of Koran and different intepretations. I recommend to everyone who is interested about learning more about what is written in Koran and how different scholar interpret the Koran. I found it pretty amazing when they compare the different verses between the current Arabic version of Koran and the newly discovered earlies version fo Koran in Yeman."

Outstanding! Every American should see this documentary!

John H. Jennings | Bedford, Texas USA | 01/01/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It goes without saying that many in the Christian and Jewish worlds are deficient in knowledge about the Koran and the diversity of Muslim beliefs. "Inside the Koran" is an outstanding, "most bang for your buck" introduction to Islam. Experts, of course, will quibble over specific points, but there is a crying need for a starting point for the average Western viewer.



This documentary explains the difference between Sunni and Shia, and several other variants of Islam. It explains how different Muslims can find, within the Koran, completely opposite justifications for how they act on crucial issues like the use of terrorism and violence, and the role of women. Some insist that the Koran is Allah's unchangeable word, others that it is a living, flexible message that each believer can interpret for himself. Many Americans do not understand emotionally why Muslins consider the United States and the State of Israel to be joined at the hip. This program makes that clear. The role of Saudi Arabia as the major funder of the recent expansion of Muslim beliefs, education, and some terrorism is outlined.



Some coverage is given to recent scholarship that questions historical interpretations of the Koran and accepted history of the various texts. Such scholarship may prove to be right, but should initially be taken with a grain of salt. Regardless, this is an excellent general introduction.



"Inside the Koran" has excellent production values for elements such as photography, interview technique, sound and editing. It should be required viewing in every high school in the United States.

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Critically important viewing for every American citizen want

Midwest Book Review | Oregon, WI USA | 07/17/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Prior to the tragic events of 9/11, most Americans had only the vaguest impression of Islam, principally gleaned from Hollywood films and literary novels involving the Crusades. For most Americans, all they knew was that Islam was started by a man named Mohammad and that its sacred book was called the Koran. With the attacks on American soil by Muslims who took as their ethical mandate the Islamic religion to do so, Americans viewed Islam to be intrinsically hostile to American cultural values. Even the American president George W. Bush was ignorant of the various divisions within the Islamic religion and view the diverse Muslim world as monolithic. The result was the continuing international tragedy we are still dealing with some eight years later. That's why "Inside The Koran: A Journey Into The Heart Of Islam", a film by Anthony Thomas and now available in a DVD format from First Run Features is such a vitally important addition to every community and school library collection, it is critically important viewing for every American citizen wanting accurate, descriptive, insightful information on one of the most important religious texts in the world today. "Inside The Koran" will also provide information and insight into the diversity of the Muslim world of ayatollahs, grand imams, mosques, and the lives of ordinary Muslims."