Posted on 07/28/2008 1:05:58 AM PDT by Schnucki
It was described as an "exemplary piece of programme making" by an award winning film-maker which launched a week of television coverage of Islam.
But a Channel 4 documentary on the Qur'an has angered a group of leading Shia Muslim scholars, who have criticised it for making "seriously inaccurate statements" about their branch of the faith.
In a letter to Channel 4, they said that the depiction of Shia beliefs in The Qur'an, broadcast earlier this month, was "disappointing, misleading, even defamatory".
The signatories to the letter were also angered by the apparent links made between Shiaism and violence, with scenes of Iranian Shias burning effigies, chanting anti-western slogans, and advocating acts of terror.
In the documentary, film-maker Antony Thomas explored the history of Islam's holy book, examining it for statements on equality, suicide bombings, and relationships with other faiths.
While some critics hailed it as a masterpiece, it angered prominent Shias. The denomination comprises up to 20% of the world's 1.3 billion Muslims.
But criticism of the programme was not confined to the Shia scholars. Muhammad Abdul Bari, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, also wrote to Channel 4's chief executive, Andy Duncan, last Thursday, warning of "specific misrepresentations" that could damage cohesion between Muslim communities. "The programme unfairly maligns Muslims following the Shia tradition by accusing them of heresy based on a collection of age-old polemics and misinformation," Bari's letter said. "With respect, this is an irresponsible portrayal which plays into the hands of those who wish to seek discord amongst Muslims, which we hope you did not intend."
The Muslim Public Affairs Committee had urged supporters to congratulate Channel 4 on the film, but changed its position when it realised the film's "biased and inflammatory nature" regarding Shias.
Shias believe there is a direct line
(Excerpt) Read more at guardian.co.uk ...
In the interests of balanced reporting Channel 4 later released a statement saying “The Sunnis are just as bad”
By their fruits (and nuts) you shall know them.
Haven’t heard or seen this documentary, but if it indeed whitewashed the equally violent Sunni branch as opposed to the Shias, you can bet you’re money on Saudi checks being involved.
Was it presented as a cartoon or something?
It even featured one academic, Taj Hargey from Oxford, referring to Shias as sinners.
Channel 4 lends itself to the Saudis to spread Hanbali propaganda for them.
Oh you can bet it was all whitewashed, no matter which muslims they pointed at.
The main difference (and argument) between Shia and Sunni is who should have been the next califate after Mohammads brain tumor finally exploded, Ali (shia) or the one who was. It’s been a tribal war ever since.
“discord among muslims”?
LOL—Like murder and mayhem hasn’t been happening amongst muzzies ever since ishmael left the fold.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3369102968312745410
The link is still good. I also downloaded the video, it is large.
How could this have gotten any other action? Absolutely everything is insulting to Islam, except for beheadings, hand and foot amputations and beatings.
Good list, but you missed slavery and child marriages. Apparently the jury is still out on clitorectomies.
Facts and recorded historical events are defamatory?
What are these "scholars" smoking?
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