Year: 1976
Runtime: 206 mins
Language: Arabic
Director: Moustapha Akkad
Set in sixth‑century Mecca, the film follows Prophet Muhammad as he receives his first divine revelation and, three years later, publicly declares his mission as God’s messenger. He confronts opposition from Meccan rulers Abu Sufyan and his wife Hind, as his early followers endure hunting, torture and exile, yet remain steadfast to Islam.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen The Message yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of The Message (1976), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
The film opens with Heraclius, Muqawqis, and Kisra receiving invitations from the Prophet to embrace Islam, signaling the start of a movement that challenges powerful empires. Early on, Muhammad is visited by the angel Gabriel, who commands him to begin and spread the Quran. As word spreads, a small group of Meccans begins to convert.
As the new faith grows, opposition intensifies. Followers are hunted and their possessions confiscated, and some believers seek refuge in Abyssinia under the protection of the king there, An-Najashi. The believers eventually head north to Medina, where they are warmly welcomed and establish the first Islamic mosque, the Quba Mosque. They learn that their belongings are being sold back in Mecca, and Muhammad weighs a path that leans toward peace, even as conflict looms on the horizon.
Conflict does flare, and the fledgling community faces its first major tests. They are attacked but win the Battle of Badr, a victory that underscores the resolve of the early Muslims. The Meccans, bent on revenge, muster a larger force—about three thousand men—for the Battle of Uhud, during which Hamza ibn al-Muttalib falls, and the Muslims, after pursuing the enemy, are taken by surprise from behind, suffering a setback. A ten-year truce follows, offering a fragile pause in hostilities.
Years pass, and change arrives in the form of a conversion that reshapes the balance of power: Khalid ibn al-Walid, a Meccan general who had fought against the Muslims, embraces Islam. Meanwhile, Muslim camps in the desert face night-time raids, and the community suspects the Meccans of breaking the truce. Abu Sufyan travels to Medina in fear of retribution, asserting that robbers rather than his people breached the agreement. The Muslims respond by mounting a full-scale attack on Mecca, gathering support from tribes across the region.
Mecca ultimately surrenders to the Muslims without bloodshed. The pagan idols inside the Kaaba are destroyed, and the very first call to prayer from the Kaaba is proclaimed by Bilal ibn Rabah. The city’s spiritual shift is marked by the Farewell Sermon, a moment that signals the consolidation of a new era.
As the narrative closes, a narrator reflects on Islam’s enduring legacy, followed by authentic footage of worshippers performing tawaf around the Kaaba in contemporary times. The end credits roll over a montage of mosques from around the world, with the adhan echoing as Muslims come together in prayer.
Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 12:33
Don't stop at just watching — explore The Message in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Message is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of The Message with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like The Message that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
The Message (1976) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
The Message (1976) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
The Message (1976) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like The Message – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
The Lady of Heaven (2021) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Muhammad: The Last Prophet (2004) Detailed Story Recap
Lion of the Desert (1980) Story Summary & Characters
The Assassins (1000) Film Overview & Timeline
The King of Kings (1927) Story Summary & Characters
Saladin the Victorious (1963) Story Summary & Characters
King Richard and the Crusaders (1954) Detailed Story Recap
The Garden of Allah (1936) Film Overview & Timeline
Journey to Mecca (2009) Complete Plot Breakdown
The Crusades (1935) Full Movie Breakdown
The Ten Commandments (1956) Story Summary & Characters
The Message (1976) Full Movie Breakdown
A Message to the Governor (1998) Story Summary & Characters
Dawn of Islam (1971) Complete Plot Breakdown