Kids Learn 'Koran by Heart' in New Film- Oldest Competition for Reciting Islamic Holy Book

Summary

The HBO documentary 'Quran by Heart' follows three 10-year-old contestants from diverse countries, each competing in the world’s oldest Quran recitation competition. Directed by Greg Barker, the film explores how families navigate the balance between religious and secular education. It delves into the internal struggles of these young competitors, who must recite the Quran beautifully without fully understanding its meaning, as they are not native Arabic speakers. The documentary highlights broader themes about the evolution of Islam and the challenges faced by Muslim families worldwide, offering an intimate look at the intersection of faith, tradition, and modernity.

Takeaways

• 😀 A documentary on HBO follows three 10-year-old contestants competing in the world's oldest Quran recitation contest.
• 😀 The competition takes place during Ramadan in Cairo, with 110 competitors from over 70 countries.
• 😀 The film explores the dilemma families face about how to educate their children in a balance between religious and modern education.
• 😀 The director, Greg Barker, wanted to provide insight into the breadth of Islam beyond just the Middle East.
• 😀 The three main children in the film come from different countries: a young boy from Senegal, another from Tajikistan, and a girl from the Maldives.
• 😀 While the children can recite the Quran beautifully, they do not understand the full meaning of the text, as Arabic is not their native language.
• 😀 The documentary emphasizes the differing educational paths for Quranic education — some children receive a well-rounded education, while others focus exclusively on Quran recitation.
• 😀 The film highlights how some families are divided over whether to prioritize religious education or a broader, more modern curriculum for their children.
• 😀 Greg Barker aims to open a window to Islam for a non-Muslim audience, particularly in the U.S. and Europe.
• 😀 The intimate portrayal of the children's families shows their internal struggles, providing a broader commentary on the evolving direction of Islam over the next decade.

Q & A

What inspired the director to create a documentary about the competition of reciting the Quran by heart?

The director, Greg Barker, was inspired by the conversation he had heard within Islamic communities about the dilemma families face regarding how to educate their children, balancing between a more fundamentalist approach and embracing modernity. He also wanted to open a window to Islam for a non-Muslim audience, particularly in the U.S. and Europe.

Why did the director choose to focus on 10-year-old contestants for the documentary?

The director chose to focus on 10-year-old contestants because they were engaging and charming, making them relatable to the audience. Additionally, they represent a diverse group from different countries, providing a wider perspective on Islam.

How were the three primary contestants selected for the documentary?

The three primary contestants were selected by organizations in their home countries to represent them in the international Quran competition in Cairo. The documentary follows a boy from Somalia, a boy from Tajikistan, and a girl from the Maldives.

What was the significance of the Quran recitation competition being held in Cairo?

The competition, held in Cairo during Ramadan, was the world's oldest event for reciting the Quran by heart. It gathered about 110 competitors from over 70 countries, highlighting the global reach and importance of the event.

Did any of the young contestants question the Quran or exhibit critical thinking beyond the text?

The children in the documentary are 10 years old, and while they recite the Quran beautifully, they do not fully understand its deep meaning, as they do not speak Arabic beyond the recitation. They might understand parts of it but lack the ability for critical thinking regarding the text.

What does the documentary explore about the education of these young contestants?

The documentary explores how the education of these young contestants is balanced, with some receiving a broader education that includes subjects like math, science, and languages, while others focus almost exclusively on Quranic education.

How does the documentary highlight the families’ views on religious versus secular education?

The documentary portrays the internal discussions within the families about whether their children should receive a more religiously focused education or whether a broader, more modern education is better. This is an ongoing conversation in many Muslim communities.

What broader themes does the documentary address beyond the individual stories of the contestants?

Beyond the personal stories, the documentary addresses broader issues within the Muslim world, such as the direction of Islam, the balance between modernity and tradition, and how the faith might evolve in the coming decades.

What role did the children’s diverse backgrounds play in the documentary?

The children’s diverse backgrounds—coming from countries like Somalia, Tajikistan, and the Maldives—allowed the documentary to capture the global diversity of Islam, challenging the Western misconception that Islam is solely a Middle Eastern religion.

Why does the director believe the story of these children is compelling to audiences?

The director believes the story is compelling because of the children’s incredible talent, their charming personalities, and the emotional struggles they face in balancing family expectations, religious education, and their own futures. Their stories resonate universally with audiences.