The Life of Muhammad

Our regional PBS station used a single night to show the entire 180-minute run of "The Life of Muhammad" (2011). The experts have a cumulative effect of being a bit uncertain of what can and can't be known about that era of history. I found the use of black and white photography to be a bit confusing however. There are NO ancient pictures of the Kaaba and to have such "stock footage" inserted would be confusing for the viewers who should be watching this PBS - BBC Production with those who have some perspective on what is knowable and to be agreed upon as far as figures of civilization and world culture.

I do rate the 3-part series (PBS and BBC) to be a 9 * rating.

Others will need to comment on its accuracy, but this tracing of the life of Muhammad from his early days in Mecca up to his death makes for a lively, colorful, and credible account of the founding of Islam.

The documentary attempts to separate fact from fiction by interviewing a range of experts with a deep knowledge of Islam and of the history of that era. They don't agree among themselves on every single point, but the view of Muhammad that emerges is of a humble man and brilliant strategist whose mission was peace and harmony. If you're open to that view, this documentary will fill you with regret for the way Islam has been twisted, both by its enemies and by some of its extremist apparent friends.

For "balance," a couple of extremists are even included among those briefly interviewed.

The visuals are striking, including the desert landscapes and the imposing shots of modern day Mecca and Medina. The narrator, Rageh Omaar, is an articulate and personable guide through this thicket of contention.

Well written. Concise but complete. This is extremely well edited. It fills in a lot of details I've heard about in general here or there. Despite seemingly being written by those who are believers it does not ignore common criticisms or controversies. It does not show blind faith but covers stories as an intelligent person of faith might perceive them. My goal was to learn and this was definitely very educational and interesting to watch. Lots of good footage. Very cleverly managed considering the religious limitations do not allow depiction of the protagonist. They go to a lot of historians from inside and possibly not inside this belief system. The people they interview are extremely well educated.

I'm sorry, this isn't really accurate and it takes a lot of things as fact that are still being debated.

And full disclosure, I do feel that Petra and the debate around that shouldn't be taken as such a controversy in academia. The fact is, we don't know. The fact is that, if the same amount of evidence came about with Jesus and Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, it wouldn't have the controversy behind it. it would be debated and investigated as always.

But, for some reason Academia doesn't question the Koran anywhere near as much as it does other texts, and this doesn't question it either.

And, honestly, there is not much history in Mecca. It didn't appear on the map when Muhammad lived, or before. It wasn't on a trade route. It wasn't an important city then and it could never, ever field the crops described in the Koran.

This film doesn't question that, it takes it as, well, as gospel.

I don't know if Islam started in Mecca, but I know that the archeology isn't there. I don't know if the Petra theory is correct, but I do know that it fits better. I can't say either way. And, honestly, I refuse to say either way.

However, this doesn't really question the history enough, it only really pays the questions lip service. And as such, I think it does a disservice.

A very beautiful piece of work. Decode the ere is such a great way to explain someone like this. Great Work.