Koran By Heart

Koran by Heart is a gripping, heartwarming, yet sobering 2011 documentary film directed by Greg Barker. The film is a compelling look into religious traditions and their impact on the lives of modern children in the Islamic world. The title itself refers to an annual competition in Cairo, Egypt, known as the International Holy Koran Competition, wherein a hundred of the best and brightest young contestants from Muslim countries around the world gather to mesmerize audiences by reciting Islamic scripture.

The film is characterized by Barker's piognant narrative style, which portrays the youthful contestants' varied emotional experiences before, during, and after their participation in one of the most prestigious Quran recital contests on the globe. The intensive and demanding nature of this competition requires children to memorize the 600-page, 114-chapter Islamic Holy book, the Koran, in its entirety.

The focal point of the narrative centers around three ten-year old participants from different parts of the world - Nabiollah from Tajikistan, Djamil from Senegal, and Rifdha from Maldives who, despite varying familial, social, and economic contexts, share a common goal of not merely winning the competition but also committing the holy scripture to memory.

Nabiollah, a lad from a small village in Tajikistan, is partially sighted and uses his extraordinary auditory skills to memorize and recite verses from the Koran. Barker graphically portrays this boy's journey, who uses traditional oral methods to learn the Koran due to his visual limitations, showcasing his hard work, determination, and talent.

Djamil, an African boy, travels from Senegal. His journey is coloured by the exciting experience of his very first plane ride and his first time in the big city. Djamil's experience is further enriched when he inadvertently encounters his village's rich and prominent people, which gives viewers a tangible picture of the contrasts between the rich and the poor within the same culture.

The only girl featured in the documentary, Rifdha, hails from the Maldives. Her journey highlights the intersection between tradition and progress in Islamic societies, especially in relation to the role of women. Rifdha's parents’ diverging viewpoints on her education provide a very illustrative account of a dispute that many Muslim families around the world face.

The documentary is not just a record of the competition but also delves deeply into the personal lives of these three young contenders, exploring their homes, their families, and their everyday challenges. One of the key threads that run through the plots of all three stories is the immense pressure and expectations the children face, which gives viewers a nuanced understanding of the often heavy costs of pursuing religious excellence in their respective societies.

What is interesting about Koran by Heart is its balanced approach. It doesn’t condemn nor glamorize the rigorous religious demands placed on the young competitors. Rather, it proffers an empathic and enlightening glimpse into their world, explores the relationships between their cultural and religious norms, and reflects on the societal context that shapes these norms.

Barker also adroitly addresses the fine line between educational enrichment and exploitation. He manages to spark viewers' curiosity about what the future holds for these exceptional children, especially since their impressive ability to recite the Koran, while widely respected, doesn’t necessarily equip them with the skills required to navigate the complexities of the contemporary world.

The cinematography of Koran By Heart is beautiful. The film is loaded with rich, vibrant imagery, from the ornate mosques, the teeming streets of Cairo, to the immersive daily life of the three protagonists in their respective hometowns - providing a feast for the eyes and a stark contrast to the lives that these children lead.

Apart from the depiction of these children’s lives, the film also homes in on the universal themes of childhood, family dynamics, cultural tradition, religious indoctrination, and education. It poses tough questions about the role of religion in shaping or even dominating children's lives. Moreover, it explores how these elements interact to shape the experiences and trajectories of the young participants, both within and outside the competition.

In summary, Koran by Heart is an enlightening and thought-provoking film that offers viewers a unique window into the lives and trials of a select group of young Muslim children in the 21st century. Despite being encapsulated in a very specific cultural and religious context, the film raises poignant questions about childhood, education, and faith that are universal in nature.