big ideas that changed the world: islam (3/5)
19.15–20.00

Continuing tonight is a new second series of the documentary strand that explores some of the world’s most influential ideas. This edition sees Benazir Bhutto, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, present a personal film examining the history of Islam, from its foundations in the seventh century AD to the present day.

Bhutto opens the film by looking at the origins of Islam in seventh-century Mecca, where the prophet Muhammad was visited by the Archangel Gabriel and told to spread Allah’s word. At its inception, Islam promoted equality between men and women, and favoured peace and tolerance. Over the next few hundred years Islam spread across Asia, offering a moral code that instructed Muslims how to live their lives. “I was taught that if we lead good lives, then on the day of judgement, God will reward us with a place in heaven,” explains Bhutto.

Islam also became synonymous with scientific progression, and by the turn of the second millennium it was the most advanced civilisation on Earth. However, when the Crusaders began the first of many attacks on the Holy Land in 1095, the peaceful Islamic balance that had existed for centuries was threatened. A religious sub-group calling themselves Hashshashin formed, intent on terrorising the Crusaders, and justifying murder and matyrdom in the name of Allah. For her, the Islamic faith has been waging a constant battle since then between liberals and traditionalists.

Bhutto’s own story begins with the independence of Pakistan in 1947, and the election of her father, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, as president. Bhutto reflects on her upbringing – she was sent to be schooled abroad and remembers her father removing the burqa from her head. “My father believed that I should be judged on my mind, and my character –and not by my clothing,” she says.

However, a military coup in 1977 led by General Zia culminated in Bhutto’s execution in 1979 which, according to his daughter, was based on the “trumped-up charges” of a political opponent. Since then, Bhutto laments that Pakistan has been governed by military reactionaries such as General Zia, returning the country to the draconian measures of Sharia law and pushing the nation into bloodthirsty wars with its neighbours. She believes that it is western-funded wars such as the war with Afghanistan that have given despots like Zia the opportunity to groom terrorists.

Following Zia’s death, Bhutto herself became Prime Minister of Pakistan in 1988. She was the first woman to lead a Muslim-majority state, defying the widespread belief that a woman would never be allowed to rule. However, despite what she sees as her efforts to restore Pakistan to a liberal and democratic country, the reactionaries ultimately won and she was dispossessed of office 20 months later.

Today, Bhutto fears for her country. “ Pakistan today is the most dangerous place in the world,” she reflects. Despite this, she still vows to stand as Prime Minister again. “We cannot allow the militants to monopolise the image of our religion.” She dreams of the day that her country and her faith will be returned to those who hold dear the original teachings of Muhammad – and what she sees as the true message of Islam.