The Message (1976)

Partly financed by Muammar al-Gaddafi, this historical epic starring Anthony Quinn retells the story of the birth of Islam and the prophet Muhammad.

In accordance with Islamic law, director Moustapha Akkad's biopic of Muhammad never actually depicts the prophet himself. Instead, Akkad tells the tale through certain central figures in his life, like Abu Sofyan (Michael Ansara), the leader of Mecca, and Muhammad's uncle, Hamza (Quinn). The persecution of the earliest Muslims, their escape to Medina and eventual victorious return to Mecca are all chronicled in this 1976 epic drama.

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