Directed by: Greg Barker
Produced by: HBO Documentary Films
Runtime: 80 minutes
Released: 2011
Overview
Koran by Heart follows three remarkable children — from Senegal, Tajikistan, and the Maldives — as they travel to Cairo, Egypt to compete in one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious Quran recitation competitions. Each child faces their own personal challenges, cultural expectations, and spiritual growth as they prepare to recite from memory, in Arabic, a text they do not fully understand but have devoted themselves to with unwavering discipline.
More than just a look at a religious competition, the film offers a heartfelt exploration of identity, childhood, education, and what it means to connect with sacred tradition in a modern world. With stunning visuals and a respectful, intimate approach, Koran by Heart invites viewers to witness a global Muslim experience that is as beautiful as it is complex.
Why It’s Worth Watching
- Inspiring Stories: The dedication and innocence of the three children — all under 12 years old — are both moving and awe-inspiring. Their spiritual sincerity challenges assumptions about what devotion looks like at a young age.
- Cultural Diversity: The film offers a global view of the Muslim world, highlighting how Quranic tradition is shared and celebrated across continents, cultures, and languages.
- A Window into Traditional Islamic Education: Through the lens of the competition, viewers get a glimpse of madrasas, recitation techniques, and the memorization process — core elements of Islamic learning that are often misunderstood or overlooked.
- Tensions Between Tradition and Modernity: The film gently explores the tensions between secular and religious education, and between local values and global pressures, particularly for Muslim youth navigating the 21st century.
Want More?
If you found Koran by Heart as moving and insightful as we did, browse more of our reviews and reflections on documentaries and films that explore Islam from fresh and meaningful perspectives in our Media section.
💬 Comments
Have you seen Koran by Heart?
What did you take away from the children’s stories or the broader message of the film? We’d love to hear your reflections — especially from educators, parents, or those who’ve engaged with Quran memorization themselves.