FAQs
How Were American Children Discovered in the Madrassa?
The two boys approached Imran when he was in the madrassa for the first time. They came up to him and said, “Your American, aren’t you?” in English. At that time, they were the only Americans in the institution.
They did not speak Arabic or Urdu. When they found out that Imran was American they opened up to him and spoke of their desire to go home on camera. They also talked about the things they did not like at the madrassa, like being beaten with pipes by their teacher.
How Many Americans Are in Madrassas in Pakistan?
Despite an edict ordering all foreign students out of Pakistani madrassas, it is estimated that there are over 600 American children currently being trained across Pakistan. The mullah of the Jamia Binoria says there are between nearly 80 Americans in his institution alone.
What Do American Children Learn?
American children learn a radicalized version of the Koran — nothing more, nothing less. The religion taught in the Jamia Binoria is called Deobandism. It’s also known as the religion of the Taliban. There is no math, science, English, history or any other subjects taught to these children. They learn the Koran.
The saddest part is they essentially learn to live for death. All the pleasures of life, they are instructed, come in the afterlife.
How Do American Children End Up in Pakistan?
In the case of the Jamia Binoria, the Mufti actually comes to America and recruits students for his Taliban-supporting institution.
What Will Happen When the Children Return to America?
According to the Mufti, the head of the madrassa, they will come to America to convert non-mulsims and to correct the ways of the Muslims in America. Some of their students will set up their own madrassas in the United States. The film interviews three Americans who want to put Muslims in America on the “right” path.