Channel 4 - The Qur'an Documentary

This documentary from Antony Thomas - a past Emmy award winner for his documentary work - took on the challenge of bringing a history and explanation of the Qur'an through examining its actual text and providing comment from a wide selection of observers on its meaning. Hidden in the schedules, the programme was produced in conjunction with the National Geographic Channel and others for Channel 4 and screened as part of their focus on Islam in their Faith and Belief series.

Islam's Holiest Book

Questions and misconceptions about Islam from the uninitiated abound. This production had an opportunity to tackle these questions head-on and did not disappoint. A scholar's perspective would have drowned the viewer but Thomas's presentation provided a simple historical context to the book and what are seen by many as its political effects. The film drove straight to the key questions: justice; Islam's relationship with Christianity and Judaism; women's rights; The taking of life; suicide, amongst others. It drew on answers - in the form of readings and talking heads - not only from the Book itself but also from clerics, scholars and ordinary worshippers.

What Does The Qur'an Actually Say ?

One essential message of Islam as presented by Thomas and drawn from the Book - that of a direct and personal relationship with one's God - is arguably the most important point missed by non-adherents. There was much here to awaken and inform. For a programme setting out to answer complex questions, it was perhaps surprising how many subtexts were simply and well presented. Far from denigrating Islam or its followers, Thomas wrote and directed a balanced work which could do much to promote an enlightened view of the Qur'an and its message. The contributions by believers from all facets provided valuable insight and an informative counterpoint to the sometimes misleading observations of the Media. More suited to a follow-up, the opinions of representatives from other faiths might have been a useful addition.

The sequences did wander with a disturbing segment on female circumcision. A cultural act, this is a tradition unrelated to Islam. Whilst one cleric interviewed endorsed the activity, it was difficult to see how it could otherwise be construed as a religious act and certainly unfair to include it in this context.

The explanation of the differences between Shia and Sunni was enlightening. In particular, where it subtly compared both sects in employing clerical figures to act on one side as interpreters and the other as interlocuters for the masses.

The role of the Saudis as custodians of the most holiest of sites does not necessarily reveal their impact on the nature of Islam globally. Thomas neatly illustrated this; the Wahabist printing press which inserted negative additions to its English translation was startling. He noted but avoided extending this depiction of the influence of Saudi Arabia on the Islamic world, and extremism in particular. Fascinating though this aspect was, the film did well not to drift away from its purpose too often in its 2 hour presentation.

This is an important work and deserves a wider audience. It will be interesting to look for a wider reaction and perhaps more learned comment. Nevertheless, the programme is highly recommended as a genuine and balanced attempt to promote understanding. A light bringer.

Antony Thomas

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