6 Must-Watch Documentaries about Islam and Muslims

Intro: Documentaries about Islam and Muslims

Islam is a monotheistic and Abrahamic religion articulated by the Qur'an, a religious text considered by its adherents to be the verbatim word of God (Allāh), and for the vast majority of adherents, also by the teachings and normative example (called the Sunnah) of Muhammad ( c. 570 – 8 June 632 CE), considered by them to be the last prophet of God.

It is one of the world's largest religions, with over 1 billion followers or 23% of the world's population, known as Muslims.

Islam teaches that God is merciful, all-powerful, unique and has guided humankind through prophets, revealed scriptures and natural signs. The primary texts of Islam are the Quran, viewed by Muslims as the verbatim word of God, and the teachings and normative example of Muhammad (sunnah).

Muslims believe that Islam is the complete and universal version of a primordial faith that was revealed many times before through prophets including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses. As for the Quran, Muslims consider it to be both the unaltered and the final revelation of God. Like other Abrahamic religions, islam teaches an eternal struggle between good and evil.

The sacredness of islam is called in islamic law.

Islam is one of the world's largest religions with over 1 billion followers or 23% of the world's population known as Muslims.

1. Inside Islam: Untold Story - Documentaries about Islam

This is the untold story of Islam.

It's a journey through Islamic History, from its origins in Arabia to its present-day struggle for survival. It reveals an extraordinary and complex religion that has flourished for over 1400 years.

The story of Islam is found in its origins in Arabia and its subsequent journey through various nations. During this phase, the religion experienced rapid economic growth due to international trade and an era of enlightenment. This era was followed by a phase marked by persecution at the hands of dictators that sought to return power to themselves. The final phase has witnessed international conflict that still persists today with groups like ISIS seeking to restore what they believe is their 'rightful place'.

2. The Cultural Riches of Islam - Documentaries about Muslims

It offers a fascinating look at the history of Islamic architecture and art, as well as an inside view of the secretive world of medieval carpets. The program traces the largely unknown and fascinating tale of Islamic art and architecture to the attention of the general public. Documentary first aired in 2005.

3. Is This The Real City Of Mecca? - Islam Documentaries

In this video we explore the question of whether or not Mecca is actually in Saudi Arabia. From the Quran, to archeological evidence from 71 BC, we uncover some fascinating information about a city that has been shrouded in mystery for centuries.

In order to understand where Mecca is actually located, we must first go back in time to when it was created. In many English translations of the Quran, including Abdullah Yusuf Ali's 1936 translation, there are notes at 20:78 which state that "Mecca according to ancient tradition was in north central Arabia." This understanding can be dated back further still, with Max Margolis noting in 1893 that “according to Mohammedan legend…the Kaaba [in Mecca] is said to have been first erected by Abraham, who is also supposed to have started for Mecca from Syria.” To further strengthen this tradition is the Syriac Book of Steps , which is dated back to the late second century AD or third century AD. This book is believed by Muslims and Christians alike to be a translation of an earlier work written in either Hebrew or Aramaic and it is stated within its pages that “Abraham came from the other side of the river [Euphrates], and dwelt in the land of Canaan...one day he went forth with his son Ishmael ...and they digging a well found living water; near which was an altar ready prepared, whereon Abraham stood and prayed facing toward Jerusalem.

4. Muslim Schism: How Islam Split into the Sunni and Shia Branches - Islam Documentaries

The Sunni and Shia are the two major branches of Islam, with a history that goes back to 632 AD when Muhammed died. This video explains how their differences started, what they believe in today, and why this division is so important for all Muslims.

(This is not to say that all Muslims are either Sunni or Shia. The divisions are complicated, and large nations like Turkey, Iraq, Syria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Malaysia, etc., contain people of both groups.)

The basic argument is over who should lead Islam after Muhammad's death: his son-in-law Ali ibn Abi Talib or one of his companions Abu Bakr al-Siddiq.

In 632 AD Muhammad died without appointing a successor [Ali] . Of the two principal candidates for succession [Abu Bakr & Ali], the Muslim community chose a companion of Muhammad [Abu Bakr] as their new leader.

They believed that this is what Muhammad wanted because he had told them who is to be the next leader in a number of situations.

They believed that Muhammad is divine and cannot speak wrong and so is not fallible.

This is what Abu Bakr became at their time: the leader of the Muslim community, called Khalifa (Caliph).

After two years of rule [Abu Bakr] died and his successor was elected by an assembly of tribal leaders [Umar ibn al-Khattab].

5. Lost Secrets Of Quran - Documentaries about Islam

The Quran is the holy book of Islam, and one of the most important texts in history. This video will reveal some of its secrets, including how it was written over a period of 23 years by Muhammad with help from his followers.

The Quran is similar to the Christian Bible in some ways, but is very different in others. Unlike the bible, no one is sure who wrote it or when it was written. The Quran is not organized by subject or author, but chronologically according to when Muhammad received each revelation from Allah. The angel Gabriel visited Muhammad on many occasions and recited revelations from Allah for him to record as scripture.

The word 'Quran' means 'Recitation' in Arabic, as that is what it is: a revealed text that is meant only to be transmitted from one person to another orally, without being codified into a single book where it must be preserved unchanged for all time.

6. Islam Unveiled - Documentaries about Islam

Is it possible for Islam to become fully integrated into the modern world?

Why is it now seen as the world's greatest bastion of sexism and misogyny when it has a billion followers across the globe? Is this really true?

The fourth and final part of this major series follows a heartwarming journey across four continents and fourteen eras, as well as an intellectual adventure. It's a quest that uncovers fascinating truths about women's lives in the Muslim world today, as well as origins beliefs and practices that many Westerners would perceive to be cruel or outdated.