Muslim Journeys: Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet (2002) Directed by Omar Al Qattan and Michael Schwarz - With an Introduction and Post-Film Discussion led by Dr. Zeki Saritoprak, Professor of Islamic Studies at John Carroll University

This breathtaking documentary tells the story of the seventh century prophet who changed world history in a score of years and whose legacy continues to shapes the lives of more than a billion people. The film takes viewers not only to ancient Middle Eastern sites where Muhammad's story unfolds, but into the homes, mosques and workplaces of some of America's estimated seven million Muslims to discover the many ways in which they follow Muhammad's example. Dr. Zeki Saritoprak, holder of the Nursi Chair in Islamic Studies at John Carroll University, will introduce the film and begin our Muslim Journey. After the credits, he will lead an interfaith discussion where all respectful people are welcome to ponder the life of the husband, father, statesman and prophet who inspired generations and whose words echoed across Arabia and spread to every corner of the world.


This fall, the Lakewood Public Library will be hosting a series of programs that will bring to light the cultural, historical and spiritual lives of Muslims in America and around the world. Topics range from Western perspectives on Muslim history to the loving and universal poetry of  Rumi to the rise of the Islam-inspired Hizmet social reform movement. There will be documentaries about the life of Muhammad, the majesty of Islamic art and a conservative Muslim woman’s struggle to educate young Pakistani women. A charming, fictional film will provide a glimpse of everyday life in Turkey and an animated film will illustrate the story of a headstrong young girl growing up in the middle of the Iranian revolution. Children’s programs will focus on arts and crafts of henna design, calligraphy, mosaics and ebru. An ensemble of Sufi musicians will present a glorious concert of openhearted music that welcomes all faiths. And a masterpiece of Persian poetry will be brought to life by actors and musicians reading selections from The Conference of the Birds. The series begins on Saturday, September 7 with a documentary film, Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet, introduced and moderated by Dr. Zeki Saritoprak of John Caroll University. A complete schedule with program descriptions and more can be found at www.lakewoodpubliclibrary.org/muslimjourneys. These programs are sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Turkish American Society of Ohio--Cleveland.