Al-Azhar says in its fatwa condemning the film that depictions of prophets “provoke the feelings of believers.” There is a whiff of menace to this — what might they do when their feelings are provoked? The Qur’an tells believers to assuage the fury in their hearts by fighting unbelievers: “Fight them; Allah will punish them by your hands and will disgrace them and give you victory over them and satisfy the breasts of a believing people, and remove the fury in the believers’ hearts. And Allah turns in forgiveness to whom He wills; and Allah is Knowing and Wise.” (9:14-15)
An update on this story. “‘Noah’ Ban Calls Expand Across Arab World,” from OnIslam, March 9:
HOLLYWOOD – As controversy surrounding the new Hollywood blockbuster ‘Noah’ increases, three Arab countries have banned the new movie before it premiers, with more countries expected to follow suit.
“Censors for Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE (United Arab Emirates) officially confirmed this week that the film will not release in their countries,” a representative of Paramount Pictures, which produced the $125 million film starring Oscar-winners Russell Crowe and Anthony Hopkins, told Reuters on Saturday, March 8.
“The official statement they offered in confirming this news is because ‘it contradicts the teachings of Islam’,” the representative said, adding the studio expected a similar ban in Egypt, Jordan and Kuwait.
The $125 million film, Noah, depicts Prophet Noah who suffers visions of an apocalyptic deluge and takes measures to protect his family from the coming flood, according to the movies website IMDb.
Directed by Darren Aronofsky, the American biblical epic movie is due to be released by the end of March.
The film has drawn much criticism for depicting the Prophet (pbuh) and not abiding by the original story.
An outcry by several religious organizations, saying that the script had strayed from the original tale, had forced producers to add a message at all trailers and poster that clarifies that the film is not based on the biblical version of the story
“The film is inspired by the story of Noah. While artistic license has been taken, we believe that this film is true to the essence, values and integrity of a story that is a cornerstone of faith for millions of people worldwide,” read the message that was added to trailers
“The biblical story of Noah can be found in the book of Genesis,” the message added.
Egypt Fatwa
Expecting an Egyptian ban too, the movie was also condemned by Al-Azhar, the highest seat of learning in the Sunni Muslim world, who issued a fatwa against the film on Thursday.
“Al-Azhar … renews its objection to any act depicting the messengers and prophets of God and the companions of the Prophet (Mohammad), peace be upon him,” it announced in a statement.
They “provoke the feelings of believers … and are forbidden in Islam and a clear violation of Islamic law,” the fatwa added.
In 2004, a similar controversy erupted after the release of “The Passion of the Christ” movie, which depicted the 12 last hours in the life of Prophet Jesus (pbuh).
In 2012, a television series depicting the life of second Muslim Caliph Omar ibn al-khattab also sparked a heightened debate in the Arab world with thousands opposing the depiction of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) or his companions.
Muslim scholars oppose the depiction of the Prophets in any form of art.
This means a movie maker should not do that, nor should any Islamic organization, mosque or institute promote such a movie/series, by showing it to their congregation.
voegelinian says
Yet another indication that the Post-Morsi Sisified New Egypt is really just Same Old Same Old.
Jay Boo says
Standby and STAND DOWN
Obama and Kerry have just opened up the White House apology hotlines.
Hollywood liberals are now being flown in on fast response military escort flights to Washington DC.
Infidels are being lined up for filmed beheadings so as not to contradict the teaching of Islam.
citycat says
Anything that points to a truth contradicts the teachings of Islam
Angemon says
““The official statement they offered in confirming this news is because ‘it contradicts the teachings of Islam’,” the representative said”
Called it:
http://www.jihadwatch.org/2014/03/egypt-muslim-scholars-call-for-destruction-of-theatres-showing-noah-movie/comment-page-1#comment-1018033
“Of course muslims leaders don’t want the populace to watch Noah. It won’t match their version of the story. “
Angemon says
Also, i guess this means i know more about islam than Isa’s imam. You know, the one that, according to Isa, assured us that the Noah film was fine and not against islam.
Mr. Dude says
Don’t draw a CARTOON of Noah, or we’re all in real trouble! 🙂
And don’t dare let the kid’s in your class name a TEDDY BEAR after Noah, or we’re all screwed! 🙂
Muslims, please please stop trying to emulate Mohammad!
Muslims please recite the anti-Shahada: “There is no god but God, and Muhammad had sex with a kid.”…..WTF! So why am I worshipping this pedo!?
Geordie says
Very good post. Piss taking at it’s best. One correction to your anti-Shahada:
“There is no god it’s all in your head, and Muhammad had sex with a kid.”…..WTF! So why am I worshipping this pedo!?
Geordie says
Completely ridiculous!
When will these delusional islamic religionists realise that the rest of the world couldn’t care less about their mythology or sensibilities?
Ridicule by pointing and laughing, is much better that taking up arms to persuade these retarded nutters to change their ways and catch up to everyone else in the 21st century.
adc714 says
he is allowed to post here so that we can see what happens when somebody goes “full retard”
Softly Bob says
I read that before – yes it’s entertaining. Islam is crazy. The ark settled near Mecca. Really?
Tim says
Muslims should be banned from watching this movie in countries where it is playing. Further, if a Muslim is caught trying to “sneak in” to see this movie that is forbidden to him he should be detained and be made available to the local Imam for punishment.
Geordie says
Why?