In sixth-century Mecca, Prophet Muhammad receives his first revelation from God as a messenger. Three years later, he's not alone in his quest and publicly declares his prophecy. Muhammad is fought by Abu Sufian and his wife Hind, rulers of Mecca. Muhammad's followers are hunted and tortured but he continues his calling.
Direction
Akkad's ingenious workaround: camera as Muhammad's POV.
Cinematography
Jack Hildyard shoots Libya and Morocco like alien planets.
Score
Maurice Jarre's thundering themes—Lawrence of Arabia energy.
Director
Moustapha Akkad
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Moustapha Akkad, a Syrian-born producer of Halloween fame, spent his own fortune when studios balked at the religious subject matter.
The 1976 Washington D.C. premiere required National Guard protection after the 1977 Hanafi siege linked to the film's perceived disrespect—despite Akkad's painstaking consultation with Islamic scholars.
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