Watch Koran By Heart

"Koran By Heart" is a documentary film directed by Greg Barker that premiered on HBO on August 1, 2011. The movie chronicles the journey of Muslim children from different parts of the world who participate in the International Holy Koran Competition held in Cairo, Egypt. The movie provides a glimpse into the world of Islamic education and demonstrates the importance of the Koran in the lives of Muslims. The competition is held annually during the month of Ramadan, and the children that participate in the competition come from different countries, including Tajikistan, Egypt, Senegal, and the Maldives.

The documentary introduces us to several contestants, including two girls from Tajikistan and a boy from Senegal. Each child has their own story to tell, including their motivation for entering the competition and their experiences memorizing the Koran. The movie also shows the support given by their families and the impact their participation in the competition has on their local communities.

The journey of the children is not an easy one. They spend several months or even years memorizing the Koran word for word, attending Islamic schools and recitation lessons to perfect their recitation. The participants are judged based on their recitation, accuracy, and understanding of the Koran. The competition is intense, and the pressure is high, with the children being closely watched and monitored.

Throughout the film, we see the challenges faced by the participants, including language barriers, cultural differences, and the high expectations placed on them by their families and communities. Despite the challenges, the children are determined to succeed, and their love and dedication towards the Koran is evident.

The movie also highlights the role of women in Islamic education. The two girls from Tajikistan, both under the age of 12, are the only female participants in the competition. They are aware of the challenges they face as girls and are appreciative of the support and encouragement given to them by their families and teachers.

The documentary also shows the beauty of Islamic culture and tradition. We see the participants in their traditional attire, performing their daily prayers, reciting the Koran, and participating in cultural activities. The movie provides a rare insight into the Islamic way of life, which often goes unappreciated and misunderstood.

The competition itself is a fascinating event to watch. The participants recite the Koran in front of a panel of judges, with thousands of people watching in the audience. The atmosphere is filled with excitement and anticipation, and the recitation of the Koran is both beautiful and mesmerizing.

The movie ends with the announcement of the winners of the competition. The children congratulate each other, and their families and teachers are overjoyed at their success. The movie provides a heartwarming and inspiring look at the importance of the Koran in the lives of Muslims and the dedication needed to memorize and recite it.

In conclusion, "Koran By Heart" is an excellent documentary that provides a unique insight into the world of Islamic education and the importance of the Koran in the lives of Muslims. The movie shows the dedication and hard work put in by the children to prepare for the competition and the immense pressure and expectations placed upon them. The documentary also highlights the beauty of Islamic culture and tradition and provides a rare glimpse into the Islamic way of life. Overall, "Koran By Heart" is an inspiring and heartwarming documentary that is worth watching.

Koran By Heart is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.