The Message 1976 | Arabic Version

How does one make a film about a protagonist who cannot be seen or heard?

In the 1970s, the Western world’s perception of Islam was fraught with stereotypes and misunderstanding. Akkad sought to dismantle these misconceptions not through a documentary or a sermon, but through the universal language of cinema. He wanted to tell the story of the Prophet Muhammad—not as a divine figure floating in the ether, but as a historical giant who changed the course of human history.

While the film is famous for its English version starring Anthony Quinn, the holds a distinct and perhaps more profound place in the hearts of millions. It is a cinematic artifact that not only bridged the gap between Hollywood technical prowess and Middle Eastern storytelling but also established a visual language for Islamic history that persists to this day. The Vision of Moustapha Akkad To understand the significance of the Arabic version, one must first understand the ambition of its creator. Moustapha Akkad, a filmmaker who had studied at UCLA and worked under the tutelage of the master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock, possessed a dual identity. He was a Hollywood insider with the know-how to mount a massive production, but he was also a Syrian Muslim deeply connected to his heritage. the message 1976 arabic version

The Arabic version is often cited by critics and audiences as the superior artistic product. The rhythm of the Arabic language, particularly in the delivery of the poetic dialogue by screenwriter Tawfiq al-Hakim (and others), flows more naturally than the English script. The performances in the Arabic version feel more rooted in the cultural context of the 7th century Hijaz. The most daunting challenge facing the production was the Islamic prohibition against depictions of the Prophet Muhammad and his immediate family (the Rashidun Caliphs). This was not a studio mandate, but a divine law that Akkad was determined to respect.

This technique had a profound effect on the audience. For the Muslim viewer watching the Arabic version, this wasn't just a narrative trick; it was an act of participation . By placing the viewer in the position of the Prophet, the film dissolved the barrier between the screen and the pew. The audience felt as though they were receiving the revelation, standing in the courtyard of the Kaaba, or enduring the stoning at Ta'if. How does one make a film about a

Financing the film was a struggle. Akkad famously secured funding from Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and Moroccan King Hassan II, a diplomatic feat in itself. The budget eventually ballooned to a staggering $17 million (equivalent to nearly $90 million today), making it one of the most expensive films of its time. One of the most unique aspects of The Message is that Akkad shot two versions of the film simultaneously. This was not merely a matter of dubbing; the scenes were lensed twice, once in English and once in Arabic, to ensure authenticity in performance and lip-sync.

The casts, while sharing some members, were different in key roles. The English version featured Anthony Quinn as Hamza (the Prophet's uncle) and Irene Papas as Hind. In the Arabic version, the cast was populated by titans of Arab theater and cinema. The legendary Egyptian actor voiced the role of Hamza, bringing a Shakespearean gravitas to the character. Muna Wassef , a celebrated Syrian actress, played Hind, delivering a performance that captured the complexity of a woman torn between tribal loyalty and a new spiritual awakening. He wanted to tell the story of the

In March 1977, a group of Hanafi Muslims seized three buildings

Furthermore, to avoid the silence of the central character, the film utilized a narrator. In the Arabic version, the voice-over was often provided by esteemed actors, guiding the viewer through the narrative gaps. The music, composed by Maurice Jarre, swelled to fill the void of the Prophet’s voice, using themes that evoked the vastness of the desert and the weight of the message. Despite the careful adherence to religious guidelines, the release of the film was met with intense controversy. Hardline conservative groups, particularly in the United States, rejected the premise of the film entirely, misunderstanding the "invisible" technique. Rumors spread that Akkad had cast Charlton Heston or another actor to play the Prophet, sparking outrage.

In the history of global cinema, there are few films as audacious, controversial, and spiritually resonant as The Message (released in Arabic as Al-Risalah ). Released in 1976 by the legendary Syrian-American director Moustapha Akkad, the film stands as a monumental achievement. It was the first major international production to tackle the story of the birth of Islam, and it did so with a scope and reverence that had never been attempted before.