Why has there never been a documentary on Mohammad

sooda said:

Well there is this and I think there was a film with Anthony Quinn...


The Message is a 1976 epic historical drama film directed by Moustapha Akkad, chronicling the life and times of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Released in Arabic and English, The Message serves as an introduction to early Islamic history. The film was nominated for Best Original Score in the 50th Academy Awards, composed by Maurice Jarre, but lost the award to Star Wars.

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I absolutely love this film. You can google it and it’s on YouTube but I bought it on my iPad. It’s approved by Muslims as being historically accurate and I loved it. Done like the Ten Commandments. So, so moving. I also noticed the other day that it was on the list of our study sessions to be viewed by those wanting to learn more about Islam. A friend of mine watched it a couple of days ago and he said he now has a lot more love and knowledge for Islam.

I was going to recommend this film but you beat me to it. Lol

Landon Caeli said:

I wish there was a documentary on History Channel that showed how Mohammad the Islamic Prophet lived. I would like to see the details of how he went about his life, with accurate and most likely historical detail.

...Does anyone else wish they could see this? Maybe in a 3 or 4 part series..?

Why not do it?

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The Message with Anthony Quinn. Beautiful movie like the Ten Commandments, Factually accurate. You can google it as it’s free to watch on YouTube. Highly recommend it.

Landon Caeli said:

Does it show how people in his time lived, and how they likely acted? Maybe more of a re-enactment than a documentary, I guess.

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Beautiful. Like the Ten Commandments. I learned so much from it.

TagliatelliMonster said:

No. The reason is not "respect". The reason is money and security.

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I guess you didn't read the part where I said "a part of the movie industry." You do realize there is no universal consensus of opinion regarding portrayals of Biblical figures? The fact of the matter is Hollywood continues to "white wash" films because there is the idea that nobody wants to go see a film of a non-American, non-European actor. Hiring white actors maximizes profit. I hate using Wikipedia but you might want to read up on this: Whitewashing in film - Wikipedia

TagliatelliMonster said:

Then Jews and Muslims can decide for themselves that they won't cross whatever arbitrary boundaries are defined by whomever. Why should the arbitrary religious boundaries of Jews or Muslims apply to me, who's neither a jew nor a muslim?

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Because Judaism and Islam are Middle Eastern religions and the dynamics of the culture of those two faiths reside in the regions to where they began. With that being said, it is important to depict characters central to those faiths in the most accurate fashion. Christian Bale if I'm not mistaken is Australian, Moses was not Australian nor was he of Anglo-Saxon heritage. This matters because if you're going to tell the story of a central figure it has to be accurate, not relatable to the ethnic culture of the dominant ethnic group. In addition to that, even if we depict characters accurately we may not know if they truly do look like the very actor to whom the prophet is being portrayed by.

TagliatelliMonster said:

Why would that matter?
Is Jesus in the Passion historically accurate?
How about Jesus in South Park?
Or Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar?
What harm is caused by any of these three being made or watched?


Significance? That's completely subjective.

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It matters for the same reason why we tell anyone a story, because we want to get the most accurate message across. when I die and someone did a movie about me, is it necessary that some guy from South-East Asia depicts me in the story? No it is not necessary and in fact it is not an accurate depiction of me. The thing is we need people to tell the correct story, not white wash to fit a narrative for the majority.

LuisDantas said:

Muslims routinely expect non-Muslims to feel the duty to avoid any representations of Muhammad.

There is simply nothing comparable outside of Islaam.

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Actually, when non-Muslims intend to depict Muhammad its done so with the intent to disrespect the faith. I think Muslims have a legitimate argument when it comes to that. Ironically Christians in the states continually whine about a great many things from people not saying merry Christmas to the portrayal of Jesus in schools. So if you're going to make that argument Christians are no better.

Landon Caeli said:

At least they would have shed light on something. It gives meaning to life.

If I had the resources, I would do it.

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It's a freggin documentary

Landon Caeli said:

Okay, I'm done at 2:10 in.

...I want to watch an actor play the role of Mohammed. I want to watch how he approached villages... I want to watch how he lived.

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I think this is the main issue in your thread is the word "I"

loverofhumanity said:

I absolutely love this film. You can google it and it’s on YouTube but I bought it on my iPad. It’s approved by Muslims as being historically accurate and I loved it. Done like the Ten Commandments. So, so moving. I also noticed the other day that it was on the list of our study sessions to be viewed by those wanting to learn more about Islam. A friend of mine watched it a couple of days ago and he said he now has a lot more love and knowledge for Islam.

I was going to recommend this film but you beat me to it. Lol

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I have never seen Anthony Quinn in a bad movie.

Epic Beard Man said:

Actually, when non-Muslims intend to depict Muhammad its done so with the intent to disrespect the faith.

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Ok, right here you have given up on the privilege of having my attention. I want you to be fully aware of that.

How dare you presume to judge non-Muslims with such casual malitious judgement and disrespect?

Those who are not prepared to accept respect should know that they are giving up on receiving it.

Muslims are definitely no exception. Nor are you.

I think Muslims have a legitimate argument when it comes to that.

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They do not.

Ironically Christians in the states continually whine about a great many things from people not saying merry Christmas to the portrayal of Jesus in schools. So if you're going to make that argument Christians are no better.

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They are often whiners, but they are definitely much better. Denial much?

Landon Caeli said:

I wish there was a documentary on History Channel that showed how Mohammad the Islamic Prophet lived. I would like to see the details of how he went about his life, with accurate and most likely historical detail.

...Does anyone else wish they could see this? Maybe in a 3 or 4 part series..?

Why not do it?

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I think the obvious hurdle is a Charlie hebdo scenario,the next is research into Muhammed s life,the hadith's which records the words actions and approval of muhammed which i find interesting and informative are great and give a picture of his life,now the problem is finding one that's agreed to be authentic.

Some hadith's are quite ordinary but some are violent and paint a picture of a ruthless man and most likely to be deemed unauthentic by some.

Epic Beard Man said:

It was a figure of speech. It was meant to say that someone who is a religious observant of Judaism and who is a movie director (this is hypothetical scenario) may not portray the likeness of their prophet via an actor in a movie.

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I know exactly what you were saying and my response remains the same - Huh?

Epic Beard Man said:

Because Judaism and Islam are Middle Eastern religions and the dynamics of the culture of those two faiths reside in the regions to where they began.

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I don't see how that's a reason.

With that being said, it is important to depict characters central to those faiths in the most accurate fashion.

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Why?

Christian Bale if I'm not mistaken is Australian, Moses was not Australian nor was he of Anglo-Saxon heritage.

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So?
I'm sure Julius Ceasar didn't speak english either.

This matters because if you're going to tell the story of a central figure it has to be accurate, not relatable to the ethnic culture of the dominant ethnic group. In addition to that, even if we depict characters accurately we may not know if they truly do look like the very actor to whom the prophet is being portrayed by.

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Yes, I know what you are asserting by now. I'm asking you why I, or people into the creative arts, should care about your opinion...

It matters for the same reason why we tell anyone a story, because we want to get the most accurate message across. when I die and someone did a movie about me, is it necessary that some guy from South-East Asia depicts me in the story? No it is not necessary and in fact it is not an accurate depiction of me. The thing is we need people to tell the correct story, not white wash to fit a narrative for the majority.

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Again.. why is that "needed"?
Don't you think people realise that if they watch for example the series "Rome", that they didn't actually time travel to ancient Rome to film scenes there and that as a result of it, it will not be a 100% accurate depiction of it, no matter with how much care they try to do it?

Consider Monty Python's "The Life Of Bryan". This thing is so classic...
Imagine doing a film like that in context of Islam.

Last time someone made fun of islam only using a drawing, embassies were burned and people got killed.
I think it's kind of obivous that the reason for the lack of islamic flicks of that nature compared to flicks of any other religion, is to looked for in that area and not this nonsense about "respect" and concern of accurate depictions.

Because let's also be honest here... It wouldn't matter one bit how accurate or inaccurate such a flick would be. You know in advance that it will cause turmoil.

Epic Beard Man said:

Actually, when non-Muslims intend to depict Muhammad its done so with the intent to disrespect the faith

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Which is their right to do, if that is the case.
No ideology, idea or religion is "off limits" to make fun of or critisize in a civilized society that values freedom of speech. All ideas are fair game.

I think Muslims have a legitimate argument when it comes to that

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I think they most definatly do not.

Ironically Christians in the states continually whine about a great many things from people not saying merry Christmas to the portrayal of Jesus in schools.

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And they get to complain as much as they want. But again, let's be honest... with Islam, it doesn't end with just complaining. No. It ends with torched embassies, deaths, death threats and fatwa's asking for the heads of all involved.

So if you're going to make that argument Christians are no better.

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They are very much better. And you know it.

When's the last time christians torched embassies and killed people because of how Jesus is portrayed in South Park?

Case in point.... Here's a screenshot from a South Park episode, which featured all kinds of religious figures. Including Mohammed. Guess which one is Mohammed:

TagliatelliMonster said:

I don't see how that's a reason.



Why?



So?
I'm sure Julius Ceasar didn't speak english either.



Yes, I know what you are asserting by now. I'm asking you why I, or people into the creative arts, should care about your opinion...



Again.. why is that "needed"?
Don't you think people realise that if they watch for example the series "Rome", that they didn't actually time travel to ancient Rome to film scenes there and that as a result of it, it will not be a 100% accurate depiction of it, no matter with how much care they try to do it?

Consider Monty Python's "The Life Of Bryan". This thing is so classic...
Imagine doing a film like that in context of Islam.

Last time someone made fun of islam only using a drawing, embassies were burned and people got killed.
I think it's kind of obivous that the reason for the lack of islamic flicks of that nature compared to flicks of any other religion, is to looked for in that area and not this nonsense about "respect" and concern of accurate depictions.

Because let's also be honest here... It wouldn't matter one bit how accurate or inaccurate such a flick would be. You know in advance that it will cause turmoil.

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Christians protested the Last Temptation of Christ, Jesus Christ Super Star and even the Da Vinci Code which was a fictional novel.

sooda said:

Christians protested the Last Temptation of Christ, Jesus Christ Super Star and even the Da Vinci Code which was a fictional novel.

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So how many deaths in those protests? Any papal decrees or similar calling for the heads of the producers or something?

Did the directors etc require to go into hiding or police protection? Did embassies get stormed and burned to the ground?

No?

Where were these protests even? Everybody knows about the screaming masses in the middle east burning embassies with people trapped inside and burning flags and what not, while holding kalashnikovs. I don't remember anything about masses of christians out and about protesting against a movie.... perhaps you can share some links of these? Or were they perhaps primarily just public statements saying "we disapprove of this!!"

Landon Caeli said:

If someone did have the guts, it would probably sell big on DVD. Lots of money$.

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Therin is the great error.

Regards Tony

TagliatelliMonster said:

Eum.... there have been plenty of movies with actors acting the role of Jesus. And he's not just a messenger, he's supposed to be god himself.

Are you saying they don't "respect" Jesus?

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TagliatelliMonster said:

Who are you to tell people what they should and shouldn't want to try?

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I am absolutely a Nobody.

Regards Tony

LuisDantas said:

That is a very specific view. It has its own logic, but it can't in good faith expect to be accepted by everyone.

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Yes that is to be logically expected. In the end, people will make their own choices.

The 1976 Movie the Message, did a good job in my opinion and it was aimed at being historically accurate.

A recent movie was also made about the Bab. The movie makers asked lots of questions as to how they could make the movie. They did implement the advice, so it is much like the 1976 Message portrayal, which does not have the Mesenger shown or speaking.

It is strange for us, as we expect a full view of all that is happening. Movie makers in the future will figure out ways to implement the requirements and hold the impact of the story line.

There are some Bab'i battles that will make epic movies.

Regards Tony

Landon Caeli said:

I want to know just who this guy *really* was.

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And you want someone to make a movie so you can find out?

Very strange, one can do that right now by a just search, movie needed.

The 1976 film was an attempt, yet you say you will not watch it?

Regards Tony

Shad said:

Questions. Would representation similar to that seen in Ben Hurr be acceptable? Would a off-screen reference such as the character talking or being talked to by a character not seen?

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I was just thinking of Ben Hur. As I recall there is only one scene, involving prisoners drawing water rom a well, and Christ is only seen briefly, as a motionless figure, from behind.