The crew structured the production by filming a scene in English, clearing the frame, bringing in the Arab cast, and reshooting the exact same sequence. Except for British actor André Morell (who played Abu Talib in both versions), every single speaking role featured dual counterparts: English-Language Cast Arabic-Language Cast ( Al-Risalah ) Anthony Quinn Abdallah Gheith Hind bint Utbah Irene Papas Mouna Wassef Abu Sufyan ibn Harb Michael Ansara Hamdy Gheith Bilal ibn Rabah Johnny Sekka Ali Ahmed Salem
As the leading streaming platform for the Arab world, Shahid frequently hosts the fully restored 4K version of Al-Risalah with multi-language subtitle options.
"The Message" is a timeless classic that provides a powerful and authentic portrayal of the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). With its Arabic version and English subtitles, the film has become accessible to a wide audience, promoting understanding, tolerance, and cultural exchange. The film's significance extends beyond its cultural and historical value, as it continues to inspire and educate audiences about the values of Islam and the life of its Prophet. the message arabic version english subtitles
The and filming bans in Saudi Arabia and Morocco
Moustapha Akkad's The Message is far more than a historical epic; it is a cinematic landmark that overcame immense challenges to create a work of profound respect, cultural significance, and enduring power. For those seeking the most authentic experience, the Arabic version with English subtitles opens a direct window into the film's soul, offering a deeper connection to the story and its heritage. Watching Al-Risâlah is an opportunity to witness a visionary piece of cinema—a film that continues to educate, inspire, and bridge divides decades after its creation. The crew structured the production by filming a
The film "The Message" is available in various formats, including:
The Message has achieved a lasting cult status, particularly within the global Muslim diaspora, serving as a powerful symbol of Islamic identity and history in the modern world . It remains the most successful and widely seen epic about the origins of Islam, helping to shape perceptions of the faith for countless viewers around the globe . The film’s innovative approach to aniconism—depicting a holy figure by never depicting him—has been studied and celebrated for its creativity and respect for religious doctrine, providing a model for how to tell such a story with profound reverence . Its musical score, composed by the legendary Maurice Jarre, is also widely considered a masterpiece in its own right . With its Arabic version and English subtitles, the
In 1976, Syrian-American director Moustapha Akkad accomplished an unprecedented feat in cinematic history. He produced and directed two entirely separate, full-length feature films simultaneously to tell the story of the birth of Islam. One was filmed in English ( The Message , starring Anthony Quinn) and the other in Arabic ( Al-Risalah , starring Abdullah Gheith).
Today, Restored 4K versions of Al-Risalah (The Arabic Version) with English subtitles are available on various streaming platforms, physical Blu-ray releases, and digital archives. When seeking out this cinematic treasure, ensure you look for versions that feature , as the sweeping score by Maurice Jarre (which earned an Academy Award nomination) is integral to the epic scale of the experience.
The Arabic version is significantly longer (~207 minutes) than the English version (~178 minutes).