World Religions: Islam

Alexander Street Video: 3:00
This is a timeline of the history of the Early Islamic Empires over six centuries, from the year 634 to 1258. New Islamic empires spread from Arabia through Central Asia, North Africa, and Spain, bringing with them the Muslim religion, and advancement in scientific and medical innovation.

Alexander Street Video: 56:00
Part 1: The Story of Mohammad - The conversion of Mohammad from a Meccan merchant to a prophet of Allah occurred during the month of Ramadan in 611, AD, of the Christian calendar; his "Hegira" (migration) to Medina in the Arabic year 1, eleven years later, marks the beginning of the Islamic era. His success as a tactician, politician and military leader cemented Islam as the major faith of the Arab world. Part 2: The Spread of Islam - After Mohammad's death in 632, AD, centuries of conflict with Christendom occurred. We learn of the success of the Umayyad dynasty, the fall of the Ottoman Empire, and the formation of Arabic nations after WW I; then we see Islam in the modern world, with nations rich with wealth from their oil reserves, as well as torn because of militant fundamentalists.

Films on Demand: 6:43
Where does the term ‘mosque’ come from? In which direction does the mihrab face? What does wudu involve? This programme investigates these questions and others by taking learners through a mosque to experience the rituals performed by Muslims. Viewers will learn how aspects of the mosque represent the core beliefs of Islam and why this is important for people of faith.

Alexander Street Video: 54:00
Art of Faith complete series is a sumptuous high-definition visual experience presented and narrated by the broadcaster John McCarthy who travels the world visiting the greatest and most significant religious buildings, exploring how the passions and complexities of religious beliefs have been expressed in architecture... Islam explores the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, mosques in Kairouan and Cordoba, both the Haghia Sophia church and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, the Taj Mahal at Agra and the madrassas of Samarkand.

ProQuest Video: 12:14
In which John Green teaches you the history of Islam, including the revelation of the Qu'ran to Muhammad, the five pillars of Islam, how the Islamic empire got its start, the Rightly Guided Caliphs, and more. Learn about hadiths, Abu Bakr, and whether the Umma has anything to do with Uma Thurman (spoiler alert: it doesn't). Also, learn a little about the split between Sunni and Shia Muslims, and how to tell if this year's Ramadan is going to be difficult for your Muslim friends.

Alexander Street Video: 24:00
This documentary takes us to Islam's holiest mosque to witness the Fifth Pillar of Islam, a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca), Saudi Arabia, the Hajj, a journey that begins on the 8th day of the month of Dhul Hijja (in the Islamic calendar), and to hear perspectives on the non-radical meaning of Islam from a variety of pilgrims from nations around the world, as well as Muslim leaders.

Alexander Street Video: 14:00
After all, who is God? is a documentary series that aims to explore children's views on spirituality. This episode focuses on Islam.

(Islamic Relief UK) The most important Islamic practices are the Five Pillars of Islam.

(PBS) Islam teaches the importance of both belief and practice; one is insufficient without the other

(The Metropolitan Museum of Art) The Five Pillars are the core beliefs and practices of Islam

(Britannica) This article deals with the fundamental beliefs and practices of Islam and with the connection of religion and society in the Islamic world. The history of the various peoples who embraced Islam is covered in the article Islamic world.

(Asia Society) Islam, one of the world’s three major monotheistic religions, teaches the oneness of God (known in Arabic as Allah), who has revealed his message through a succession of prophets – the prophets of the Jewish tradition, including Jesus - and finally through Muhammad (ca. 570-632 CE); “Muslim” is the adjective that describes people who believe in Islam and various aspects of the faith and its practices.

(United Religions Initiative) Islam is an Arabic word which means "surrender, submission, commitment and peace." Thus, Islam can be defined as a path to attain complete peace through voluntary submission to the divine will.

(Gettysburg College) Islam is the youngest of the major world religions, and as such, it is also the most well documented and historically verifiable.

(Islamic Society of Boston) Islam is not a new religion. It is the same truth that God revealed to all His prophets throughout history. Islam is both a religion and a complete way of life. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy and forgiveness that should not be associated with acts of violence against the innocent.

(Muslim Unity Center) Islam is the largest and fastest growing faith in the world. The word “Islam” is an Arabic word that means “peace, purity, submission and obedience to the will of Almighty God”. The word Islam comes from the Arabic root word “sa-la-ma”, which means peace.