In this instalment of ‘Secrets of the Koran’, we look at the fundamental role that the Muslim sacred text has played throughout Islamic history. Like all major world religions, the development of Islam has had far reaching political, economic and military consequences.

The roots of Islam can be traced back to Arabia, in the seventh century AD During the seventh and eighth centuries, the Muslim armies of Arabia extended the religion through the Middle East and North Africa. It would later spread to sub-Saharan Africa, India, China, Southeast Asia, parts of Russia, the Balkans and Spain.

We address the ‘Golden Age’ of Islam, which is generally recognised as the period between 750AD and 1400AD. This time is widely viewed as a precursor to the Renaissance. The philosophers, scientists and engineers of the Islamic world made enormous contributions to global technology and culture.

Next, we move on to the Crusades. These bloody and prolonged clashes between Muslim and Christian forces began in the eleventh century, when Pope Urban II officially sanctioned an armed attempt to regain the holy land in the name of Christianity. Although the fourth crusade resulted in the conquest of Constantinople, this "long act of intolerance in the name of God" (Steve Runciman) ultimately resulted in defeat for the Christian armies.

Finally, we look at the word ‘jihad’, attempting to definite its meaning within the Koran. Scholars have endlessly debated the meaning of this term. We examine the negative connotations which the word now has, due to its association with the activities of modern-day Islamic radicals.

This programme looks behind the myths, misconceptions and mendacities surrounding the Islamic holy book, presenting viewers with a vivid history of an endlessly fascinating religion.