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Special Screening of Maryam Al-Muqaddasa in Peterborough, UK |
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Over 130 viewers from all faiths packed John Clare theatre in Peterborough to view a special premiere of the film, "Maryam Al-Muqaddasa" (the Blessed Mary). The film depicts the life of Bibi Maryam (SA), her trials and tribulations and the miraculous birth of Prophet Isa (AS) as portrayed in Islam. The screening was made possible by the Husaini Islamic Centre in Peterborough and provided viewers with a unique insight in the manner that the Qur'an presents the story of Bibi Maryam (AS).
The film, an Iranian television production in the Persian language subtitled in English, was introduced by City Chaplain, Rev Ian Houghton who said that many Christians would be surprised to learn that there were more references to Mary in the Qur'an than the New Testament and that both Mary and Jesus are treated with a special reverence in Islam. He stated that the film was a very significant religious event for the city and provided an opportunity to share and learn from one another.
Viewers were also treated to a special audience with the film's script writer Professor Mohammed Saeed Bahmanpour who answered questions from the viewers at the end of the programme and discussed the making of the film. Professor Bahmanpour was raised in Iran, studied at Queen Mary College London, the London School of Economics and the Allameh Tabatabai University in Tehran. He has been the editor of several cultural, religious and political magazines, a visiting fellow at the University of Cambridge and most recently a lecturer at the Islamic College for Advanced Studies in London.
Professor Bahmanpour said that the film's portrayal of Bibi Maryam (AS) as a very spiritual personality was an inspiration for all believers regardless of their faith. The film has been dubbed in Arabic and French and has been widely seen across the Arab and Islamic world. He recalled having attended a screening in Lebanon where there was a large Christian audience.
Closing the event, the Imam of the Husaini Islamic Centre, Sheikh Muhammad Kassamali said, "Our sole aim is to bring together different faith communities, with a view to encouraging a better understanding amongst each other. We thus bring this film to you to share in the reverence of this pure soul, hoping that by the end of this event we will all leave humbled and indebted to the contribution that Mary has bought to our lives."
Some viewer feedback: "I was impressed by the portrayal of kindness and open mindedness in the midst of thoughtless condemnation of someone following their vision."
"An excellent initiative bringing Muslims and Christians together so that we may understand each other better."
"Brilliant film, interesting scriptwriter. I hope you manage to get a wider screening in this country. Excellent motives. Well done!"
For more information please email Zulfikar Manji at
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To view the film trailer, visit http://stmaryfilm.com/clip/sm.ram
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