Islam's interest in other religions begins with the Qurʾān itself. However, whereas in some passages the Qurʾān seems to teach that God does not prefer any religion, only good acts, in other places it polemicizes against not only polytheists but also Jews and Christians. The teaching that Islam alone is the true religion stems from a reading of the Qurʾān central to the development of legal doctrine; this doctrine in turn motivates Muslims to...

Encounter the remarkable Kingdom of Sicily under the enlightened and tolerant rule of the Norman king Roger II. Grasp how Norman invaders established a kingdom in southern Italy, and learn about the unique features of life there, including extraordinary legal, economic, and architectural achievements. Consider Roger's legacy and why it remains relevant today.

Take the battlefield in one of the most decisive battles ever fought between Muslims and Europeans. In the century after Muhammad, Islam's spread seemed unstoppable until the disastrous Battle of Toulouse followed by the Battle of Tours, in which Charles Martel, leader of the Franks, defeats the Muslim invaders.

The hilarious story of what happens when the U.S. Government sends comedian Albert Brooks to India and Pakistan to find out what makes the over 300 million Muslims in the region laugh.

Journalist Ramita Navai investigates allegations of abuse of Sunni Muslims by Shia militias in Iraq.

The Koran is an ancient tome that has been followed by Muslims for thousands of years. This History Channel presentation casts some Western eyes over the book and helps viewers to decipher some of the important passages of the text contained within. The program draws on the wise words of a number of people well versed in the ways of Islam, leading to some fascinating insights on what the Koran means and why it has proved to be so influential.