Among the Believers

Among the Believers offers an unsettling glimpse into the world of radical Islamic education in Pakistan. It follows a controversial cleric, Abdul Aziz Ghazi, as he pursues his mission to impose strict Sharia law throughout the country. At the center of this ideological struggle is the Red Mosque network of madrassas, which trains children from a young age to devote their lives to jihad.

The film provides unprecedented access to Aziz’s personal quest for an Islamic utopia, set against the backdrop of one of Pakistan’s bloodiest periods in modern history. It also traces the diverging paths of two 12-year-old students from Aziz’s madrassas: Talha, who becomes increasingly radicalized, and Zarina, who escapes to pursue a more moderate education.

Among the Believers presents a nuanced portrayal of the ongoing conflict between extremist ideology and secular education in Pakistan. It showcases the stark poverty that drives some families to send their children to madrassas, while also highlighting the efforts of those who oppose the spread of radical ideology. The documentary captures the tension between progressive thought and fundamentalist beliefs, offering a complex picture of the challenges facing Pakistani society.