The film provides a provocative examination of Islam through selected verses, or Suras, from the Qur'an, artfully interwoven with various newspaper articles and media footage, set against the evocative sounds of The Arabian Dance and Åses død. The writer, Geert Wilders, describes the intention behind this film as promoting a "leidcultuur," a cultural movement that he believes highlights the Christian, Jewish, and humanistic traditions as a counter to what he perceives as an Islamic threat.
Throughout the film, different Suras are visually contrasted with statements from imams and coverage of violent incidents that have occurred globally in the name of Islam, including horrific terrorist acts. For instance, the opening Sura, Al-Anfal verse 60, implores followers to “prepare for them whatever force and cavalry ye are able of gathering, to strike terror, to strike terror into the hearts of the enemies, of Allah and your enemies.” This narrative is immediately followed by harrowing footage from the September 11 attacks and the Madrid train bombings, showcasing Imam Abu Hamza al-Masri amidst the devastation, declaring, “Allah is happy when non-Muslims get killed.”
As the film progresses, it further delves into the contentious themes of jihad and antisemitism, illustrated through Sura An-Nisa verse 56, where Sheikh Bakr Al-Samarai incites his audience with the aggressive statement: “If Allah permits us... A Jew is hiding behind me, come and cut off his head.” This incitement is met with fervent approval from the gathered crowd. The film also highlights disturbing segments featuring a young Muslim girl declaring that Jews are "apes and pigs," presenting a stark portrayal of indoctrination.
The narrative deepens with the examination of the murder of Dutch filmmaker Theo Van Gogh by Mohammed Bouyeri, with the perpetrator vowing, “If I had the opportunity to get out of prison... I would have done exactly the same.” Wilders illustrates this with the responses of protesters who celebrated the act, underscoring an atmosphere of intimidation as threats of violence against critics of Islam are depicted through newspaper headlines and shocking images, including footage of Eugene Armstrong’s brutal killing by Al-Qaeda.
The film culminates with the impactful Sura 8:39, urging believers to “fight them until there is no dissension, and the religion is entirely Allah’s.” The message of relentless Islamic ambition is echoed through statements from figures like Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, proclaiming the global aspirations of Islam. Further speeches from various religious leaders and public demonstrations reinforce this narrative, emphasizing a desire for Islamic dominance worldwide, as seen in growing protests and unsettling declarations from clerics that challenge the very tenets of liberal democracy.
The latter part of the film transitions to focus specifically on the implications of Islam’s presence in the Netherlands. Wilders explores a range of concerns, from opposition to democratic values to attitudes surrounding gender rights and homosexuality, framing these aspects under the claim that "The mosque will be part of the system of government of Holland." Vivid historical comparisons serve to illustrate the rising Muslim population and its potential implications on Dutch society.
Lastly, unsettling audio snippets purportedly from mosques echo warnings against political ideals such as liberalism while advocating severe punishments under Sharia law. Imagery illustrating violent practices juxtaposed with alarming newspaper headlines culminates in a stark warning about the future; the film ultimately concludes with a call to action from Wilders, urging viewers to confront and combat what he terms "Islamic ideology," comparing it to the ideologies of Communism and Nazism as threats to western civilization.
