Watch Mohammad, Messenger of God

Mohammad, Messenger of God is a 1976 epic historical drama film, directed by Moustapha Akkad and starring Anthony Quinn, Irene Papas and Michael Ansara. The film depicts the early years of Islam, specifically the life of Prophet Mohammad from his early years in Mecca to his development as the leader of the Muslim community in Medina.

The film begins with the birth of Mohammad in Mecca and shows his early years, his marriage to Khadijah, and the revelation of the first verses of the Quran to him by the Angel Gabriel. The film depicts the persecution of the early Muslim community in Mecca, and the eventual flight of Mohammad and his followers to Medina, where they were welcomed by the Ansar, the support of Medina.

Once in Medina, Mohammad becomes the leader of the Muslim community, and the focus of the film turns towards his establishment of the Islamic state, his military campaigns, and his efforts to unify the various Arabian tribes under Islam. The film portrays Mohammad as a compassionate leader who is dedicated to the well-being of his people, and who is unwavering in his commitment to spreading the message of Islam.

Throughout the film, Anthony Quinn's portrayal of Mohammad is particularly captivating. His performance is nuanced, humanizing the prophet and making him seem relatable to the audience. Irene Papas is also excellent as Khadijah, Mohammad's first wife, providing a strong, female voice in a male-dominated story.

The film's production design is impressive, particularly given its age. The costumes and sets are well researched, and the film has an epic feel to it, with expansive shots of the desert landscape and large-scale battles. The battle sequences are particularly well done, with expertly choreographed fighting scenes that are both thrilling and realistic.

Overall, Mohammad, Messenger of God is a visually stunning and well-acted film that does an excellent job of bringing the early years of Islam to life. It shines a light on the struggles of the early Muslim community and the incredible sacrifices made by Mohammad and his followers in order to establish Islam as a major religion.

However, the film is not without controversy. While it was well-received by many Muslim audiences upon its release, some Islamic scholars and leaders have criticized it for its depiction of Mohammad. In particular, some have taken issue with the fact that Mohammad is shown on screen, despite the fact that it is generally seen as haram (forbidden) to depict the prophet in Islam.

In conclusion, Mohammad, Messenger of God is an epic historical drama that is well worth watching for anyone interested in the history of Islam. The film is visually stunning, well-acted, and does an excellent job of telling the story of the early years of Islam, and the life of its greatest prophet. However, viewers should be aware that it is not without controversy, and that some Islamic scholars have criticized its depiction of the prophet.