BY THE DAWN'S EARLY LIGHT: CHRIS JACKSON’S JOURNEY TO ISLAM

BY THE DAWN'S EARLY LIGHT: CHRIS JACKSON’S JOURNEY TO ISLAM

    Price: $310.00

    Code: 2118

    Directed by Zareena Grewal
    2004, 52 mins.
    Purchase: $310 Classroom Rental: $125


    In 1996, basketball star Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf (formerly Chris Jackson) caused a national stir when the NBA suspended him for refusing to stand during the national anthem because of his "Muslim conscience." The documentary reexamines this controversy, the media misrepresentations and the reactions of the Muslim immigrants who responded with an embarrassed disavowal. Although Abdul Rauf's stance was consistent with the political orientation of many African American Muslims, his dissent perplexed many immigrant Muslims unfamiliar with the long history of American dissent. The film documents multiple and competing perspectives creating a complex montage of voices, including the analyses of four Muslim jurists, and addresses issues of Islam in the US which take on a special urgency after 9-11. Yet the film remains a simple story of one man's spiritual journey.

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    Reviews

    Recommended“This timely film should be of value to those interested in the place of Islam in American society as a whole, the relationship of the African American Muslim community to the immigrant Muslims in particular, and the situation of Muslims in America on the eve of 9-11.” - Educational Media Reviews Online

    “This well-designed program explores both Abdul-Rauf’s professional and personal journeys and their very public collision point, which takes on an entirely new perspective following the events of September 11th. …useful in courses which explore the diversity of our American culture in today’s emotionally-charged context.” – School Library Journal

    Recommended. This video asks viewers to question common myths about Muslims and to respect the traditions of both American-born Muslims and immigrant Muslims without judgment ….. All students and teachers could watch this film as a demonstration to enhance lessons not only in world religions, racial/religious relations, domestic repression, and the American constitutional right to Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Speech, but also in self-awareness and discovery.” - Library Media Connection

    "Highly Recommended."- Library Journal