Interviews, re-enactments and an impressive display of Islamic art and architecture all serve to shed some light on the rich history of this ancient religion, as well as its current global and cultural significance, in this PBS documentary. 180 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English.

How do modern-day Muslims interpret the central literary work of their faith? This fascinating documentary explores the controversial religious tome by going deep into the Muslim community to examine how the Koran's teachings are absorbed and taught by Islam's commanding and powerful spiritual authorities, as well as humble worshipers searching for meaning and purpose in their lives. 94 min. Soundtrack: English.

Every year, Cairo plays host to one of the most prestigious contests in the Islamic world, as over a hundred students from across the globe are invited to recite the complete contents of the Koran from memory. This documentary tracks the event from the perspective of three 10-year-old participants--boys from Senegal and Tajikistan, and a girl from the Maldives--tracking their intense preparations and illuminating the faith and pride that spurred them. 80 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.

In the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Muslims found their religious freedoms questioned more aggressively in the U.S. and Europe. This insightful program focuses on the controversy over the proposed construction of an Islamic place of worship in Temecula, California--and the heated opposition that plan met from some members of the community, as well as a ban on minarets put to a referendum in Switzerland. 28 min. Soundtrack: English.

In this memorable "Nightline" program, reporter Michael Wolfe took viewers inside the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca (which is closed to non-believers) for a rare look at the city that all Muslims are required to visit at least once in their lifetime. Wolfe also details the historical and spiritual significance of making the "hajj," and visits Islam's holiest site, the Kab'a or Great Mosque. 22 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English.

This engaging documentary, originally broadcast on Canadian television, follows the quest taken by filmmaker Tina Petrova as the despair she experienced following an accident led her to explore the spiritual teachings of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, the 13th-century Muslim mystic. The revered Persian theologian is profiled as samples of his poetry and the history of Sufi mysticism are examined. 48 min. Soundtrack: English; art gallery; biography; photo gallery; more.

Connecting to the divine through music is a cherished activity for the Sufis, those Muslims who represent the mystical dimension of Islam, as revealed in this spellbinding documentary. The film chronicles the connections between Islam and Christianity, and offers enlightening stories about Turkey's "whirling dervishes" and Pakistan's Qawwali music, as well as footage of Middle Eastern locals performing traditional tunes. 48 min. Soundtrack: English; bonus footage.

Is there such a thing as God-fearing punk music? Welcome to the world of taqwacore, America's Muslim-centric punk rock movement! Drawn from the rebellion of a young Islamist who rejected the beliefs of his white supremacist father and the novel he wrote to chronicle that separation, the music of taqwacore represents a wide-ranging assault on traditional sensibilities that is illustrated by this documentary. 82 min. Soundtrack: English, Punjabi, Arabic, and Urdu; Subtitles: English.

Follow the rise and spread of the religion of Islam, from the first revelations of the prophet Mohammed in 610 through the faith's current following of over a billion people worldwide, in this compelling program. 120 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; Subtitles: English.