The Message is a 1976 film directed by Moustapha Akkad, portraying
the life of the prophet of Islam, Muhammad. Released in both Arabic and
English, Mohammad, Messenger of God serves as an introduction to early
Islamic history.
The film follows Muhammad 's first years as a
prophet starting with Islam's beginnings in Mecca in which the Muslims
are persecuted, the exodus to Medina, and ending with the Muslims'
triumphant return to Mecca. A number of crucial events, such as the
Battle of Badr and Battle of Uhud are depicted, and the majority of the
story is told from the point-of-view of peripheral individuals such as
Hamza ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib (Muhammad's uncle), Abu Sufyan (the leader of
Mecca) and his wife Hind bint Utbah (enemies
of Islam who later become Muslims themselves)
In
accordance with Muslim beliefs regarding depictions of Muhammad, he was
not depicted on-screen nor was his voice heard. This rule extended to
his wives, his daughters, his sons-in-law, and his caliphs (Abu Bakr
As-Siddique, Alī ibn Abī Ṭālib, Umar ibn Khattab, Uthman ibn Affan).
This left Muhammad's uncle Hamza (Anthony Quinn) and his adopted son
Zayd (Damien Thomas) as the central characters. During the battles of
Badr and Uhud depicted in the movie, Hamza was in nominal command even
though the actual fighting was led by Muhammad.
Whenever Muhammad
was present or very close by, his presence was indicated by light organ
music. His words, as he spoke them, were repeated by someone else such
as Hamza, Zayd and Bilal. When a scene called for him to be present, the
action was filmed from his point of view. Others in the scene nodded to
the unheard dialogue.
The film was nominated for an Oscar in
1977 for Best Music and is still viewed by thousands of Muslims allover
the world especially on religiuos occasions .[b]
الموضوع : Film review المصدر :منتديات تقى الإسلامية الكاتب: El Helalya
