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The BBC recently broadcast a 3-episode mini-series on the life of Muhammad, presented by Rageh Omaar (himself a Muslim). I gather this is something of a first for Western television (which seems a shame to me). In any case, on the whole I was pretty impressed, coming from a position of relative ignorance. They seemed to cover the Prophet's life in some detail, and provided a range of viewpoints on the controversial issues that have risen up around Muhammad's life, ministry, and the religion he founded.
What I would have liked, however, was a bit more of an idea of what the consensus opinion was on some of these controversies - if I walked into a Mosque in Coventry, and spoke to some people there, what would they likely think about the issues raised? It felt a bit like opposing viewpoints were both mentioned (typically by some pretty eloquent speakers), but there wasn't much dialogue between them.
Did anyone else see it? I'd be interested to hear some more views. Sadly, I don't think there are many (any?) Muslims on my fiends list.
What I would have liked, however, was a bit more of an idea of what the consensus opinion was on some of these controversies - if I walked into a Mosque in Coventry, and spoke to some people there, what would they likely think about the issues raised? It felt a bit like opposing viewpoints were both mentioned (typically by some pretty eloquent speakers), but there wasn't much dialogue between them.
Did anyone else see it? I'd be interested to hear some more views. Sadly, I don't think there are many (any?) Muslims on my fiends list.
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My understanding (which is waay limited) is that what people thought about the issues raised depends both on the Mosque, and who in particular you spoke to.
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Well of course, but there's a big range in those sorts of things. Is it a salvation through faith alone type opinion, a rapture type opinion or a 'the rapture is going to happen next Tuesday and only me and my friend Bob (who's the true Pope) are going to be saved type opinion?
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I also might have liked some clarification on whether the speakers were Muslim or non-Muslim - I googled a few and learning about their own backgrounds was quite interesting (especially the Welsh lady!), but there were a few points where I think knowing whether the comments were coming from a practising Muslim or not might have aided assessment of them.
It was good to see lots of Mecca and Medina as well - since I'll never get to see either of them in person, it's cool to get a peek! Quite spectacular places by the look of things.
Also, I really liked the musical score.
(It was also cool to see Ajmal Masroor on there - he ran as LibDem candidate in our constituency in London and when he canvassed on our road I got the impression he was quite a fun sort of chap.)
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I thought they handled to issue of the 'satanic verses' well; the fact that there hasn't been a huge outcry implies that Muslims were happy with that part at least.
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I'd recommend the book; I just hope she hasn't woefully misrepresented absolutely everything.
Speaking to "some Muslims" about the controversies of Islam might, of course, reveal just as much consensus as asking "some Christians" about transubstantiation…
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