Even before his blessed birth, extraordinary events signal his destined greatness. A vast flock of birds drives away a horde of elephant-riding Abyssinians threatening Mecca, emphasizing that this child is protected by God.

This is how Majid Majidi’s Muhammad: The Messenger of God portrays one of the most awe-inspiring events in history, the birth of Muhammad (PBUH), the vicegerent of God on the Earth and the Seal of Prophets.

Though produced decades apart, Syrian-American director Moustapha Akkad’s The Message in 1976 and Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi’s Muhammad: The Messenger of God in 2015, both resonate as cinematic milestones.

This year as the world marks the 1,500th birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), we review two landmark films that bring his life and message to the screen.

Their stories and imagery offer the audience a glimpse into the miraculous, human, and spiritual dimensions of the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) extraordinary life.

Majid Majidi's 'Muhammad: The Messenger of God' (2015)

Majidi's masterpiece vividly portrays the trials of the early Muslim community in Mecca and begins with the Muslims being boycotted at Sha’eb Abi Talib.

It then moves into flashbacks that explore the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) pre-birth years and childhood.

Majidi introduces viewers to the key figures shaping the young Muhammad’s (PBUH) life, his mother Lady Amina, grandfather Abdul-Muttalib and devoted uncle Abu Talib.

A particularly moving scene depicts Halima, the Prophet’s (PBUH) wet nurse, arriving at Lady Amina’s home after a miraculous journey.

Her arrival, accompanied by the melodious score of AR Rahman and Vittorio Storaro’s cinematography, transforms a simple act into a deeply spiritual and cinematic moment.

A distinctive aspect of the research for this cinematic production is the director’s extensive consultation with prominent Muslim scholars and clerics in Iran and abroad. These consultations ensure that the film remains faithful to Islamic teachings and traditions.

The Prophet’s (PBUH) face is never shown. Yet through gestures, interactions, and divine signs, his presence radiates across the screen.

The 3-hour film which is the first in a trilogy on the life of the Prophet (PBUH) emphasizes his childhood as a continuous display of compassion, love, and moral integrity. Every interaction reflects his innate sense of social justice, humility, and concern for others, which would later define his prophetic mission.

One of the film’s most striking sequences is the night of Muhammad’s (PBUH) birth.

Falling idols, Halima’s dervish-like activity in the desert, Samuel the Jew astonished by falling stars, and Abdul-Muttalib witnessing the child’s beauty collectively convey the cosmic significance of the event

These images used in the film resonate with the famous saying attributed to the Prophet (PBUH),“If it were not for you, I would not have created the heavens.”

The film does justice in portraying the universe, rejoicing at his birth.

Majidi also depicts early moral challenges in the society, such as the burial of an innocent girl alive, a practice common in pre-Islamic Arabia.

By showing the Prophet (PBUH) witnessing her rescue and the divine attention on such injustices, the film reinforces Islam’s high regard for women and children.

This theme of compassion and social justice remains central, linking childhood experiences to the profound ethical teachings of the Prophet’s (PBUH) mission.

The film concludes with the Prophet’s (PBUH) first journey to Syria, where a Christian monk, Bahira foretells his prophethood. This journey symbolizes the universal recognition of Muhammad’s (PBUH) divine role and introduces audiences to the larger spiritual and historical context of his life.

With around $22 million budget, seven years of production, and gigantic sets in the central Iranian province of Qom, (with a few scenes in South Africa), Muhammad: The Messenger of God offers the audience an immersive, richly detailed portrayal of the Prophet’s (PBUH) formative years.

For cinema lovers the movie is a visual and spiritual feast, blending historical fidelity, miraculous storytelling, and cinematic grandeur.

Moustapha Akkad's 'The Message' (1976)

While Majidi focuses on the Prophet’s (PBUH) childhood, Mustafa Akkad’s The Message (1976) captures his adult life and prophetic mission.

The story begins as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) announces the advent of Islam in Mecca, immediately facing resistance from polytheists.

Once considered a righteous and trustworthy man, he now becomes the target of persecution. The film spans the early Muslim community’s struggles, migration to Medina, and pivotal events such as the Battles of Badr and Uhud, ultimately culminating in the conquest of Mecca and the restoration of peace.

Akkad’s film shot extensively in Libya and Morocco emphasizes the progressive values at the heart of Islam, equality, social justice, mercy, peace, love and forgiveness.

One of the most powerful sequences of the film depicts the Prophet’s (PBUH) close Abyssinian companion, Bilal Habashi, once a slave, ascending to lead the call to prayer.

As the first young black man to call Muslims to worship, he demonstrates Islam’s rejection of racial hierarchy. This scene resonates as a spiritual and social milestone, portraying the religion’s insistence on equality and human dignity.

Akkad’s commitment to authenticity is evident throughout. He created two versions of the film, one in English, one in Arabic and like Majidi consulted a wide range of Islamic scholars to ensure theological and historical accuracy.

The faces of the Prophet (PBUH) and Imam Ali (AS) are never shown,and they do not even speak in the film, yet their presence is powerfully conveyed.

In the Battle of Uhud, for instance, only Imam Ali’s (AS) sword, Zulfiqar, appears on screen, providing a first-person view while maintaining reverence.

Miraculous moments, such as the spider weaving a protective web and dove building its nest at Thour Cave, where the Prophet (PBUH) had taken refuge from the pagans of Mecca, emphasize God shielding His Messenger (PBUH), reminding audiences that divine protection often comes in most unexpected forms.

Beyond historical storytelling,The Message presents Islam’s moral and spiritual principles in action. The film portrays the Prophet (PBUH) as an extraordinary leader who confronts injustice, fosters compassion, and inspires devotion.

From the trials of the early Muslim community to acts of mercy and forgiveness, Akkad’s work illustrates why Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) remains a universal model of moral courage and spiritual guidance.

Together, these films illuminate the full spectrum of the Prophet’s (PBUH) life. Majidi’s Muhammad: The Messenger of God immerses viewers in the miraculous events, divine signs, and moral formation of the Prophet’s early years.

Akkad’s The Message portrays his mission, the struggles of his followers, and the ethical principles of Islam brought to life through courage, equality, and leadership.

Cinema transforming history into experience invites audiences to witness the life of the Prophet (PBUH) of Islam that continues to inspire millions.

As the 1,500th birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is commemorated, his life serves as a living testament to the enduring relevance of his teachings.