Watch ISLAM VS. ISLAMISTS: Voices from the Muslim Center

ISLAM VS. ISLAMISTS: Voices from the Muslim Center is a thought-provoking documentary that delves deep into the rift between moderate Muslims and Islamist extremists. The film explores how this rift has become a defining feature of the contemporary global political landscape, and the potential implications for Islam and the world at large.

Through interviews with moderate Muslim scholars, activists, and private citizens from around the world, the movie aims to give voice to the Muslim majority. The documentary attempts to provide a nuanced, complicated perspective on a religion and a faith that is often reduced to simplistic soundbites and stereotypes in Western media.

The documentary is broken up into several different segments, each of which explores a different facet of the relationship between moderates and extremists. The film begins by exploring the history and background of Islamism - the modern political ideology that seeks to create a society based on a rigid and uncompromising interpretation of Islamic law. The documentary delves into the deep historical roots of Islamism, tracing its origins to the early 20th century and the intellectual ferment of the Islamic world.

From there, the film examines the current state of Islamist extremism and the ways in which it has been fueled by global political events. The documentary argues that the rise of Islamist extremism is a direct response to broader geopolitical developments, including American invasions of Muslim-majority countries, the increasingly close relationship between the United States and Israel, and other factors.

The documentary then explores the response of the Muslim world to these developments. Many Muslims, the film argues, have been deeply angered by these global events and have responded with increased religiosity and political radicalism.

However, the film also surveys the response of moderate Muslims to Islamist extremism. For instance, the documentary highlights the work of moderate Muslim intellectuals and religious leaders who have taken up the task of defending Islam from both the reckless and violent acts of Islamist extremists and the gross caricatures of the faith created by opponents of Islam.

The documentary paints a picture of a religion that is both vibrant and deeply divided. The film captures the ongoing struggle between different factions within the Muslim community, each competing for their own vision of what Islam means and how it ought to be expressed in the world.

Perhaps most importantly, the documentary aims to give a voice to those who are not often heard in popular discourse. Through personal interviews and profiles, the film showcases the stories and experiences of Muslim activists, scholars, and private citizens from all parts of the world.

Ultimately, ISLAM VS. ISLAMISTS: Voices from the Muslim Center is a powerful and moving exploration of a complex and controversial topic. The film provides a vital, humanizing perspective on the diverse world of Islam, and invites viewers of all backgrounds to consider their own beliefs and attitudes towards this powerful and influential faith.

ISLAM VS. ISLAMISTS: Voices from the Muslim Center is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 52 minutes.