Mohammad lived in a place called Mecca wherein the people worshipped approximately 300 gods. From this situation, we could see how difficult it is for one person to proclaim to Mecca that there is only one God. In additional, the Mecca people were also greatly influenced by the leaders in that society. The political and social leaders cannot accept change in their religious belief for the primary reason that is their integrity, richness, and popularity will be endangered. From Mother Mary, Angel Gabriel made known his presence in Mohammad for a great work he has to do to save the true religion of God. Mohammad is task to cast aside the 300 idols of Kaaba and build the House of God in Mecca.

But this task proved to be dangerous and very difficult. The citizens of Mecca cannot accept the religion Mohammad is proclaiming. For me, this is quite natural especially since the people practiced this religion since the times of their ancestors. Naturally, they would react to this new religion. Another thing is that Mohammad’s religion calls for the equality of all men. From what I saw in the movie, there’s this black guy which is a slave and when he saw that the God of Mohammad is theOne True God he so longed for, he changed his faith even if it endangered his life. Therefore, the influential persons were angry of Mohammad for making the slaves think that they were of equal standing with them.

When the influential and political leaders reach their height of madness on this new religion, Mohammad’s followers fled to Medina after His uncle died. This marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar – the Hegira. The film then straightforwardly presents significant events in the history of Islam – the protection that a spider’s web affords Mohammad, the battles of Badr and Uhud, and the return pilgrimage to Mecca with thousands of followers. I can’t believe and I’m feeling ashamed of myself that this was my first time to hear the story of Moslems. I am really amazed and somewhat shock considering all the comments that our society regards on the Moslems.

One noticeable aspect to this movie is that the Moslems did actually permit this movie but nevertheless, the face nor the body, neither the voice of Mohammad was not put into the movie. This aspect shows how much the Moslems valued their prophet.

This movie does not only show the birth and history of Islam but also how the people hold on to this faith even if they die. It shows the endless limitations of the Islamic faith. It shows the importance of the equality of men. It shows how “peace” should be used in the proper way. It shows how Moslems were patient and generous and how they amazingly spread the Islamic faith.

In our modern conception now, especially here in the Philippines, the Moslems were regarded as bad people. Attending the “Duyog Mindanao: Caravan for Peace” held in the conference hall in UPV Cebu, the guest speaker said a statement, “…for the government, not all Muslims are terrorists but all terrorists are Moslems..” . The caravan’s purpose was to wage peace in Mindanao especially in the ARMM (Autonomous Region of Moslem Mindanao).We all know that there is a relatively big population of Moslems in Mindanao. How awful is our conception about Moslems that even children were taught of how bad Moslems were. Another common thing is that the heat between US and Middle East countries were not yet done.

In summary, this movie is a must-see movie for all the people in different religions of the world. By viewing this movie, I myself would admit that the lack of education on Moslems will surely conceive a bad idea about them and their ways and culture. Like Christians, Moslems believe in One True God. This God is the link to the humane population; therefore, Moslems are not terrorists but our brothers.

When I first made my footsteps in UPV (University of the Philippines in the Visayas) Cebu, I was puzzled. Why do so many people call us scholars? We are not even gaining any discounts or less on our tuition fees. Later, I learned the basic reason. A UP student is being called a scholar because UP is a government school. When we say that UP is a government school, that means part of the students’ tuition fees on all UP campuses were shouldered by the people of the Philippines. I am not satisfied with this reason because for me there is a deeper meaning to what a true scholar is, so I managed to define and describe what a true scholar is in my own understanding.

Going back to the old times, Aristotle and Ptolemy as an example were considered as great scholars. Why? It is because they were considered geniuses who discovered something essential and beneficial to the progress of the world. They were even called great philosophers for their wisdom and knowledge. But who called or regarded them as scholars? Of course it’s the people.

Now in the post-modern era, the usual basis of calling a scholar is still the same as in the time of Aristotle and Ptolemy. A person is called a scholar when he/she is identified to have a great I.Q., passed many difficult examinations like UPCAT (University of the Philippines College Admission Test), and supported by a scholarship institution. When one person possesses these three (3) minimum qualifications, then he/she will be identified by the society as a true scholar. The problem is, it is not enough that we call ourselves scholars just because we are regarded by the society as a person having great I.Q., passed many difficult examinations, and is supported by a scholarship institution.

Now I will begin my own definitions of a true scholar. First and foremost, a true scholar is a person with a wise mind. He/She must know his/her limitations and capabilities. He/She must know how to handle both easy and difficult situations in life. That is, he/she must be exposed in the reality of life. One person does not need to earn a degree or honor just to gain scholarship and be called a scholar. If one person have a talent that others do not have, if he/she excel most in that talent, and if he/she exercise that talent in a good way, then he/she is worthy to be called a true scholar. In other words, if one person has a talent that he/she excels amongst all others and uses it for good, then that person is a true scholar. By using one’s talent in a good way one person is exercising his/her being a wise person and that what makes him/her a true scholar. An example is a beautician who is very famous in the society because of his/her great skills. She is a perfect model of a true scholar because she gained many customers who favored her skills. When one person have many other persons trusting him/her, that means he/she is wise and is good in his/her own way of living. When it comes to students, the same definitions I mentioned are also applicable. In addition, I believe that a true scholar is a student motivated to go to school not just because someone or something supports him/her in the financial aspect but rather, there is that emotional force that keeps him/her motivated to study and be a true scholar.

They say that being a true scholar is a precious gift worthy of rejoicing with. But for me, a true scholar or being a true scholar is earned and it’s not that worthy to rejoice with. Bearing the title of a “true scholar” entails a great responsibility a person should keep in mind always. A true scholar is a person who is disciplined and responsible for his/her actions. That is, a true scholar is a person who will not degrade the meaning of a true scholar itself.