Exploring Al-Qubaysiat: A Documentary on Female Muslim Empowerment

Jude Chehab's documentary, which delves into the secretive female Muslim order known as al-Qubaysiat, presents a nuanced exploration of the complexities surrounding the group's influence on its members, particularly focusing on her mother, Hiba, and grandmother, Doria.

The Guardian

Al-Qubaysiat is a highly secretive religious movement operating primarily in Lebanon and Syria. It is characterized by its all-female membership and a leadership structure centered around a figure known as the Anisa, or the Teacher. The order has historically inspired feelings of solidarity and freedom among its followers, yet it also demands absolute submission to its leadership.

The Guardian

Jude Chehab serves as both the filmmaker and a member of the al-Qubaysiat, having been initiated into the group as a child. Her mother, Hiba, and grandmother, Doria, are central figures in the documentary, representing the generational ties and emotional complexities associated with their involvement in the order. Hiba's expulsion from the group for unclear reasons serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative, highlighting the personal impact of the order's strictures.

The Guardian

Chehab's documentary does not sensationalize the indoctrination tactics of al-Qubaysiat but instead focuses on the emotional turmoil experienced by her family. Hiba's journey reflects a slow process of liberation, as she transitions from a state of submission to one of curiosity and understanding. This shift is particularly evident in her current role leading Muslim study groups, where she encourages inquiry rather than blind faith.

The Guardian

The documentary captures the complexity of Hiba's feelings towards the Anisa, illustrating her grief over the leader's death while also acknowledging the pain of her banishment. Chehab's father, when prompted to discuss the al-Qubaysiat, provides responses that suggest a reluctance to fully confront the group's impact, indicating a nuanced family dynamic that resists simplistic narratives of victimhood.

The Guardian

While the documentary presents a personal narrative, it also invites scrutiny of the al-Qubaysiat's practices. Critics may argue that the group's demand for absolute submission raises questions about autonomy and empowerment. However, Chehab's portrayal emphasizes the internal emancipation experienced by her family, challenging conventional views of Muslim women's roles within religious contexts.

The Guardian

• “However, a slow liberation has grown in her; when Hiba leads Muslim study groups, she asks not for blind faith, but curiosity and understanding.” — Jude Chehab, Filmmaker

The Guardian

• “Her wounds from banishment are still raw, but she could not help but grieve audibly over the Anisa’s death.” — Jude Chehab, Filmmaker

The Guardian

Chehab's documentary is poised to spark further discussions on the role of women in religious movements and the complexities of faith, identity, and empowerment. As it gains visibility, it may encourage broader conversations about the experiences of women in similar contexts globally.

The Guardian