Introduction
In 2016, Michael Wolfe released the documentary The Sultan and the Saint, which Martin Sheen narrates (Kenawi et al., 2019). During the Fifth Crusade in 1219, Al-Malik al-Kamil, the Sultan of Egypt, and Saint Francis of Assisi had a chance encounter that is shown in the movie. The movie makes the case that the encounter was a crucial moment in the development of interfaith relations and that Catholic and Muslim ties today can learn from it. In Egypt, Cairo was the Fifth Crusade’s target, which got underway in 1217. Saint Francis of Assisi, a Catholic friar from Italy, traveled to Egypt in 1219 to attempt to convert the Sultan to Christianity and stop the Crusade. According to the movie, the meeting between Francis and the Sultan was a pivotal moment in the development of interfaith ties. Despite having opposing religious views, Francis and the Sultan had a courteous conversation. The Sultan ultimately rejected Christianity, but Francis’s boldness and honesty moved him.
Most Recalled Movie Scene and the reason Behind
I most remember the story of Francis of Assisi and Malik al-Kamil because it is a story of hope and understanding in a time of great violence (. Francis was a Christian missionary who had been preaching in the Muslim-controlled city of Damietta. Malik al-Kamil was the nephew of the great Muslim leader Saladin, who had fought against the Crusaders in the Third Crusade. The meeting between Francis and Malik al-Kamil was a moment of peace during a time of great violence. The two men respected each other’s beliefs and found common ground. The documentary tells the story of this meeting and its importance in the history of Christianity and Islam. The story of Francis and Malik al-Kamil is crucial because it shows that people of different religions can find common ground and live in peace (Panthers, 2021). In a time when the world is again experiencing religious violence, the story of Francis and Malik al-Kamil is a reminder that peace is possible.
The story of Saladin and the Third Crusade is also essential because it shows that Muslims and Christians can fight against each other but also find common ground and respect each other’s beliefs. Saladin was a great Muslim leader who fought against the Crusaders in the Third Crusade. He was the nephew of Malik al-Kamil, who met with Saint Francis of Assisi during the Fifth Crusade.
Impact of the Movie on Catholic and Muslim Relationship
Prompt some Muslims to view Christians more favorably, which could lead to more interfaith dialogue and cooperation between the two groups. Despite their religious differences, Saint Francis of Assisi and Al-Malik al-Kamil, the Sultan of Egypt, were introduced to one another during the Fifth Crusade. The film relates the tale of how they came to admire and respect one another (Gottschalk & Greenberg, 2018). The movie highlights the fact that both Christians and Muslims are people of faith who are capable of showing compassion and respect for others. This message could help to improve relations between Catholics and Muslims today ( Thomas et al., 2018). The movie can affect today’s Catholic/Muslim relationship by providing a model for respectful dialogue and understanding between the two faiths.
Conclusion
Francis and Assis are the two men who changed the course of history. Francis of Assisi was a Christian monk who preached love and forgiveness, and Sultan al-Kamil was a Muslim leader who ruled over Egypt. These two men met during the Crusades, and their encounters changed the course of history. Francis convinced al-Kamil to spare the lives of the Christian soldiers who had been captured, and al-Kamil convinced Francis to preach peace to the Christian soldiers. This encounter showed the world that people of different religions could live peacefully and respect each other.
References
Kenawi, M., Kronemer, A., & Welle, J. (2019). Two Filmmakers Reflect on Francis. The Muslim World, 109(1-2), 119-125. https://doi.org/10.1111/muwo.12280
Pansters, K. (2021). Franciscan Conversion: Turning Toward the Truly Good. Franciscan Studies, 79(1), 1-22. https://muse.jhu.edu/article/836880/summary
Thomas, S. M. (2018). St. Francis and Islam: A Critical Appraisal for Contemporary Muslim–Christian Relations, Middle East Politics, and International Relations. The Downside Review, 136(1), https://doi.org/10.1177/0012580617747850
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