The Message

The Message

Year: 1976

Runtime: 206 mins

Language: Arabic

Director: Moustapha Akkad

DramaHistoryFaith and religionHistorical battles and epic heroismReligious faith sin and forgiveness

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.

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Timeline & Setting – The Message (1976)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Message (1976). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 7th century CE

The events span the early 600s CE, from the initial revelations to the encounters with regional powers. We follow the migration to Medina, the battles near Badr and Uhud, and the eventual peaceful conquest of Mecca. The period covers the lifetime of the Prophet in a time of rapid religious and political upheaval.

Location

Mecca, Medina, Abyssinia, Alexandria

Mecca is the birthplace of the Prophet's early followers, a key trading hub in western Arabia and the site of intense religious conflict. Medina (Yathrib) becomes the refuge and base for the Muslim community after the migration. The film also takes us to Abyssinia, where the king offers sanctuary to refugees, and to Alexandria, where the Patriarch of the time holds influence over Christian rulers. Together these places frame the cross-cultural stage upon which the story unfolds.

🕋 Mecca 🏙️ Medina 🗺️ Abyssinia 🏛️ Alexandria

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:05

Main Characters – The Message (1976)

Meet the key characters of The Message (1976), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Kisra - Martin Benson

A powerful, calculating ruler who embodies imperial resistance to the new faith. His actions reflect a concern for political stability, forcing him to weigh conflicts with emerging Islamic power. He represents the political and religious rivalries that frame the story.

🏛️ Persian Empire ⚖️ Power 🕊️ Diplomacy

The Young Christian - Damien Thomas

A representative of the Abyssinian Christian rulers who offers sanctuary to early Muslims. His role signals cross-border religious protection and alliances beyond the Arabian Peninsula.

✝️ Abyssinia Refuge 🛡️ Protection 🕊️ Faith

An-Najashi - Abdel Azim Abdel Haqq

The Abyssinian king who grants asylum to Meccan converts seeking safety. He embodies mercy and the protection of the vulnerable, allowing the fledgling community to endure persecution.

👑 Abyssinian King 🛡️ Refuge 🌍 Protector

Al-Muqawqis - Mohammed Tawfik

Patriarch of Alexandria who is approached to acknowledge the new faith. He represents the organized Christian leadership and the possibility of cross-cultural dialogue amid political caution.

🏛️ Alexandria Patriarch 🗳️ Religious Authority 🧭 Diplomacy

Hamza ibn al-Muttalib - Abdallah Ghaith

Muhammad's uncle and stalwart protector who becomes a symbol of courage and loyalty. He fights in defense of the community and helps consolidate early Muslim resistance.

🗡️ Warrior 🛡️ Protector 🕊️ Courage

Ammar ibn Yasir - Mohamed El Arabi

An early Muslim who endures persecution with quiet resilience. His steadfast faith illustrates perseverance under hardship and the formation of a tight-knit community.

🕊️ Early Believer 🛡️ Perseverance 🗺️ Community

Bilal ibn Rabah - Ali Ahmed Salem

The first muezzin whose voice proclaims the faith despite oppression. His loyalty and dignity symbolize the transformative power of belief and equality.

🕊️ Faith 🗣️ Voice 🪶 Courage

Khalid ibn al-Walid - Mahmoud Saeed

A famed Meccan general who later embraces Islam, illustrating a dramatic personal conversion. He becomes a key military tactician in the campaign's later stages.

⚔️ General 🧭 Conversion 🛡️ Strategy

Abou Sufyan ibn Harb - Hamdy Ghaith

Leader of Mecca who initially opposes the Prophet but negotiates as circumstances change. His cautious diplomacy and strategic mind reflect the complexities of allegiance and revenge.

🏛️ Meccan Leader ⚖️ Strategist 🕊️ Diplomacy

Hind bint Utba - Mona Wassef

A Meccan noblewoman who embodies the early opposition and personal vendetta against the Prophet and his followers. Her actions illustrate the social forces that resist change.

👑 Meccan Aristocrat 🔥 Revenge 🕊️ Opposition

Abou Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib - Abdulrahim El-Zurqani

Muhammad's devoted uncle who offers protection and support. His guardianship helps sustain the early community during times of danger and uncertainty.

👴 Uncle 🛡️ Protector 🕊️ Family

Djafar ibn Abi Talib - Mounir Moasery

Cousin of Muhammad who joins in defense and voice of resolve for the early believers. He represents familial solidarity and courage under pressure.

👨‍👦 Cousin 🛡️ Loyalty 🗡️ Courage

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:05

Major Themes – The Message (1976)

Explore the central themes of The Message (1976), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕊️ Faith & Revelation

The film centers on the revelation of the Quran and the challenge of preaching a new faith in a hostile environment. Personal doubt, fear, and conviction are tested as converts endure persecution. The story tracks the transformation of individuals and communities as belief becomes a public, organizing force. The sacred message gradually reshapes loyalties, rituals, and identity.

⚖️ Power, Peace & Diplomacy

Religious movement intersects with imperial and tribal politics as rulers like Kisra, Héraclius, and Al-Muqawqis weigh alliances and threats. The film shows truces and negotiations alongside battles, highlighting how peace is pursued through political calculation as much as through piety. The Meccans' shift from hostility to strategic accommodation culminates in a non-violent surrender of Mecca.

🌍 Legacy & Unity

The narrative frames Islam's spread as a unifying force across tribes, cities, and empires. The concluding montage emphasizes a global continuity of worship and community, from the adhan at the Kaaba to prayers in mosques around the world. The film suggests that the message's endurance rests on shared rituals, mercy, and collective memory.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:05

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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.

The Message Summary

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The Message Summary

The Message Timeline

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The Message Timeline

More About The Message

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