Reviews

• Journey to Mecca – an IMAX film -  a wonderful cinematic experience that uses the medium of Ibn Battuta’s (An infamous 14th Century Moroccan traveller) story to convey the powerful experience of Hajj/Muslim Pilgrimage.  Directed by Bruce Neibaur and produced by Jonathan Barker and Dominic Cunningham-Reid, this awe-inspiring short film shares the majesty of mass pilgrimage and synchronised prostration to and at this most special mosque in Makkah.  The film makers’ goal was to improve understanding of Islam in the West.  By happy coincidence the concepts of IMAX and Hajj came together magically to make an absolute must see for every frustrated Muslim who wishes that the beauty of Islam be expressed in the public domain.  Showing in December at London’s IMAX cinema on Sundays http://www.bfi.org.uk/whatson/bfi_imax
• 1001 Inventions – Muslim Heritage in Our World – Salim Al-Hassani – The accompanying guide book to the Science Museum’s recent exhibition celebrating the vast contribution that Muslim scholars of the past made to Western civilisation today.  This multicoloured, easy-to-read hard-back book goes beyond the exhibition taking readers on a journey from the discovery of coffee, clocks and chess through to schools, teaching hospitals, running water and architecture that we see at the houses of parliament.  Suitable for school children and adults, fully referenced and written in quality English from a Western perspective the book is worth every penny (in the editor’s humble opinion)!  See http://www.1001inventions.com/ for more information and to order your copy.