The Light in Her Eyes

Preacher Houda al-Habash, who founded one of the first Qur'an schools for girls in Damascus, is at the center of this enlightening documentary by co-directors Julia Meltzer and Laura Nix that follows Houda's experiences as a religious educator, filming her in her apartment, in the mosque, in conversation with secular journalists, and on a retreat with her students. Since conservative Muslim clerics believe that women should pray at home, Houda's actions appear to be somewhat radical, although she feels that she's simply fulfilling her destiny. Living with her husband and two children, Houda believes that women should get an education and be able to work outside the home, even as she herself still cooks, cleans, and wears the hijab. With both her family and pupils, Houda is equally patient, strict, and supportive. She started her school 30 years ago at the age of 17, and her 20-year-old daughter, Enas, has expressed an interest in following a similar path. At the Al-Zahra Mosque, Houda, Enas, and other instructors help the girls to memorize, understand, and correctly pronounce every word in the Qur'an. Houda also acts as a consultant for other schools and presides over a hijab ceremony, which completes the process for participating girls, since Houda sees it as a requirement from God, although some students opt out, due to personal preferences or the wishes of their parents. The film's lyrical cinematography nicely captures the beauty of the country and its people, providing a contrast to the heavier themes, and an end note offers an update on Houda in the wake of Syria's 2011 uprising. Recommended. [Note: this is also available on DVD for $99.95 w/PPR for public libraries, and $295 w/PPR for colleges and universities from The Cinema Guild (www.cinemaguild.com).] Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)