Veiled Voices

Brigid Maher's film profiles three female Muslim religious leaders who work within mainstream Arab society, providing an insightful glimpse into their public and private lives, while also revealing the presence of diversity and personal freedom within the Muslim world—up to a point. Ghina Hammoud founded a charitable center in Beirut, Lebanon, to teach theology and Islamic law and assist needy families. Dr. Su'ad Saleh, a venerated Egyptian scholar and media personality, answers questions on a weekly television program from women about living in accordance with Islamic law. Huda Al-Habash teaches Islam in the middle-class mosques of Damascus, Syria. The three are interviewed at length (as are family members and students), as well as filmed at work and at home. Hammoud talks about her marriage to an abusive man and eventual mental breakdown; she not only lost custody of her daughters, but also struggled to maintain her reputation following the divorce. Saleh applied for membership to the Islamic Church Council, which rejected her although she was highly qualified. Al-Habash emphasizes discussion in her classes, and her husband's support allows her to teach and travel (her daughter attends a U.S. university and has seen firsthand how Americans can misunderstand Muslims). DVD extras include five related shorts. A timely, perceptive exploration of an aspect of contemporary Islam that receives relatively scant attention, Veiled Voices is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (M. Puffer-Rothenberg)