This thoughtful and meticulous documentary tells the story of women in the history of Islam and in the Qur'an, including the state of affairs within present-day Islamic communities. Combining live footage, photographs, ancient artworks, original paintings, and images from Qur'anic texts, filmmaker Corine Huq describes the emergence of Islam through the Prophet Muhammad, detailing how the Qur'an was revealed to him over the years in suras (chapters) that gave females new protections and rights in matters such as owning property and keeping their earnings (in the eyes of Allah, the two genders were equal). Huq argues that over time the Qur'an was later translated and interpreted to support cultural and societal biases, and she examines specific suras that include the much-disputed word “daraba,” often taken as permission to beat one's wife. Rights & Wrongs delves into the history of polygamy and of wearing the veil, the case of Pakistani rape victim Mukhtaran Mai, and the first Friday prayer led in public by a woman, as Huq examines political and cultural reasons for why Islamic women's rights have been expanded or curtailed—from the 6th through the 20th centuries—backed by commentary from an array of scholars and journalists. Ending on a hopeful note inspired by Islam's emphasis on justice and equality, this documentary is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (M. Puffer-Rothenberg)
Rights & Wrongs: The Story of Women in Islam
(2011) 135 min. DVD: $89: public libraries & high schools; $295: colleges & universities. Women Make Movies. PPR. Volume 27, Issue 6
Rights & Wrongs: The Story of Women in Islam
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