The Message

Synopsis

The Message (الرسالة), directed by Moustapha Akkad and starring Abdallah Ghaith, is a historical epic that chronicles the life and times of the Prophet Muhammad and the birth of Islam in 7th century Arabia. The film carefully depicts the spiritual and political developments that shaped this transformative period, highlighting the struggles, revelations, and societal changes that arose from the message delivered by Muhammad. With grand visuals and an emphasis on authenticity, The Message avoids direct portrayals of the Prophet out of respect for Islamic tradition, instead focusing on the experiences of his companions and followers as Islam spreads across the Arabian Peninsula. This powerful cinematic portrayal provides insight into the religious, cultural, and social dynamics that gave rise to one of the world's major religions.

Cast

• 

  Abdallah Ghaith

  Hamza ibn al-Muttalib

• 

  Ali Ahmed Salem

  Bilal ibn Rabah

• 

  Mohamed El Arabi

  Ammar ibn Yasir

• 

  Mounir Moasery

  Djafar ibn Abi Talib

• 

  Ahmed Marei

  Zayd ibn Harithah

• 

  Habib Ageli

  Houdhayfa ibn Utba

Reviews

Critics have generally praised The Message for its respectful and informative approach to depicting an important religious narrative. On IMDb, the film enjoys a high rating of 8.9/10, demonstrating strong audience appreciation for its storytelling, production values, and performances, particularly Abdallah Ghaith's role. Reviewers commend the film's commitment to historical accuracy and its sensitivity to Islamic traditions, which avoids controversy by not visually representing the Prophet Muhammad. Rotten Tomatoes does not have sufficient data for an aggregate score, but individual reviews highlight the film's epic scale and educational value. Metacritic lacks a formal score, yet critic responses underscore its cross-cultural significance and the director's dedication to bridging understanding between Muslim and Western audiences. Some criticism points to the film's sometimes slow pacing and occasional melodramatic moments, but overall, The Message is regarded as a landmark film that respectfully and effectively presents a foundational story of Islam. It is praised for its ability to appeal to both Muslim viewers and those unfamiliar with the religion, providing a balanced, engaging narrative.