Muslims or Heretics (NR)

synopsis

The Ahmadiyyas are a small Muslim sect that is at the center of a growing storm in South Asia. Militant Islamic groups accuse them of following a new prophet after Mohammed and "spoiling the spirit of Islam." In 1974, after decades of violent protests, Islamic fundamentalists succeeded in banning the Ahmadiyyas in Pakistan. Today, Pakistani Ahmadiyyas cannot call themselves Muslim, pray, or build mosques. Even in death, there is no escape from the state -- the law prohibits putting Islamic prayers on Ahmadiyya gravestones. In 2003, the anti-Ahmadiyya campaign spread to Bangladesh, which was once part of Pakistan. In January 2004, the Bangladesh government banned Ahmadiyya books, and followed this with a push for Blasphemy Law. The battle over Ahmadiyyas reflects a larger struggle for Islam's soul -- a struggle between liberal Muslims who believe "Islam is in the heart" and extremists who are fighting for Saudi-influenced Sharia States. This documentary explores how the Ahmadiya crisis is a "trojan horse" issue that religious bigots are using to push their extremist agendas.