The Muslim Jesus (2007)
The Muslim Jesus offers an in-depth look at Jesus from an Islamic perspective, a view that is not widely known in the Western world. The documentary, which aired on ITV on August 19, 2007, was directed and produced by Irshad Ashraf and narrated by Melvyn Bragg.
It runs for 47 minutes and features interviews with scholars and historians to provide a comprehensive understanding of Jesus’ role in Islam.
In Islam, Jesus is considered one of the most important prophets, but not the son of God, as Christianity asserts. The film discusses the Quranic account of Jesus’ life, including the belief that his crucifixion was an illusion and that he was raised to heaven by angels.
This portrayal aims to foster interfaith dialogue and understanding by highlighting the respect and love Muslims have for Jesus.
The documentary includes commentary from various scholars and religious figures, such as Hamza Yusuf of the Zaytuna Institute and Karen Armstrong, a well-known religious historian. Their insights contribute to a richer narrative that explores the similarities and differences between Islamic and Christian views of Jesus.
The Muslim Jesus was produced with the intention of shifting the focus from extremism to the spiritual side of Islam, showing a side of the religion that values peace and reverence for figures like Jesus.
The film’s release sparked discussions and debates, reflecting its impact on viewers and its role in promoting a deeper understanding of religious beliefs.