As the world grapples with the complex issues surrounding Islam and its place in contemporary society, the need for education and understanding has never been more important. The five-part documentary series, History of Islam, produced by Caspian Report, offers a comprehensive and objective analysis of the religion’s origins and evolution.
The series begins with the story of the prophet Muhammad and his early followers, including Abu Bakr, the first non-blood relative to embrace Islam and publicly declare himself a Muslim. Bakr ruled the Caliphate for two and a half years following Muhammad’s death, and his military advisor, Umar, played a pivotal role in spreading the religion through the conquest of territories like Mesopotamia, Persia, Syria, and Egypt.
The series goes on to detail the reign of Uthman, the leader who succeeded Umar and expanded Islam’s reach even further, only to be assassinated by rebel opposition. The rising popularity of Uthman’s successor, Ali, and the subsequent divisions between Sunni and Shiite Muslims are also explored.
The final chapter of the series addresses the power struggles and discord between the leaders of both factions, which continue to impact the Muslim faith to this day.
Narrated with static visual imagery, the series may at times lack in presentation, but its content is exceptionally informative. By offering a well-researched and objective summary of Islamic identity, History of Islam provides a foundation of understanding that is more important now than ever before.
