Barakah Beats

Twelve-year-old Nimra Sharif celebrates the end of her four-year Hifz program at Guided Light Academy, a private Islamic school. Her mother and father, Baba and Mama, are so proud of her for memorizing the entire Qur’an that they’ve thrown her a party. The guest list is extensive, but Nimra is most excited that her best friend, Jenna Birdie, is there.

Nimra and Jenna have known each other since they were children. Jenna isn’t Muslim, but Nimra is excited for her to see the Pakistani Muslim part of her life. Nimra is disappointed that her Guided Light friends, Reema and Hana, aren’t there, but she is thankful for alone time with Jenna. Because Jenna attends public school, the friends only see one another on weekends.

Throughout the party, Jenna seems surprised by Nimra and her family’s traditions. Mama and Baba make jokes when Jenna asks questions, but she doesn’t seem to understand. Then, Mama and Baba congratulate Nimra for her accomplishment. Nimra thanks them for their help and support.

Nimra’s grandmother, Nana, urges Mama to speed up the program. Her grandfather, Nano, presses the family to take photos.