Muslim Journeys: Film: Koran By Heart

Koran by Heart is an engaging documentary focusing on the 2010 edition of the annual Egyptian contest known as the International Holy Koran Comptetion held in Cairo, one of the oldest and most prestigious competitions of its kind. The film follows three remarkable 10-year-olds in their journey to the final stages of the competition. In the backdrop of the holy month of Ramadan and the various concerns and struggles the children and their families have in honoring their countries, cultures and faith, Koran by Heart offers viewers a nuanced glimpse into the world of Koran-reciting competitions. These involve the memorization and recitation of the 600-page holy Koran by competitors, many of whom are young children and do not speak the Arabic language. Directed by Sergio Baker, also known for directing the HBO documentary Sergio.

Learn more at http://www.hbo.com/documentaries/koran-by-heart/index.html. 

• What did you learn about Islam from this film that you did not know before?

• Did anything in the film surprise you?

• How do the children in the film remind you of children you know? How are they different from children you know?

• How does the notion of “knowledge” differ between Islamic religious education and secular education?

• What do you think the filmmaker’s message is?

• How would you characterize the relationships between the children and their parents? 

Check out similiar materials and read more about the part of the Muslim Journeys Bookshelf:

Art, Architecture and Film