"Muhammad: The Last Prophet" Animated Film

Quote: When was the film made?: "Muhammad: The Last Prophet" is a 2004 feature-length animated film produced by the creators of classics such as "The King and I" and "The Fox and the Hound." What is the film about?: The movie is set about 1400 years ago, during the early years of Islam, and relates the events that unfolded which led to the rise of a renewed religion in the Arabian desert. The film aims to introduce the story of Islam and its Prophet to new generations. Key events are covered to present the main thrust of Muhammad's message and the struggles early Muslims endured to protect that message and bring lasting change to Meccan society. To view the trailer, click here. Who produced the film?: Badr International Corporation came up with the idea for an animated film about the Prophet Muhammad. The company recruited RichCrest Media to produce the film because of their established reputation in the field of animation, including such animated classics as "The King and I," "The Fox and the Hound," and "The Trumpet of the Swan." The film's musical score was created by Emmy award-winning composer William Kidd. Why should you see this film?: This film is both educational and entertaining! It introduces the main people and events that gave rise to the religion of Islam, the sister religion of the two Abrahamic faiths, Christianity and Judaism. This film is in an animated medium that is appealing and accessible to all ages, and can be an experience everyone can enjoy and share together. Is the Prophet Muhammad depicted in the film?: In Islam, representations of God and the prophets are prohibited. While the events surrounding the Prophet's life will be highlighted, the Prophet himself is never seen or heard. His representation is dealt with through sound and cinematography. We experience his story through point of view shots and through other people's interactions with him. In this sense, the film is similar to Mustapha Akkad's 1976 live-action film, "The Message." Were Muslim scholars consulted in the making of the film?: A first draft of the movie script was sent to the Al-Azhar University in Cairo, before production began. The movie was approved on October 16th, 2002 by the Al-Azhar's Center for Islamic Research. The film was also approved by the Shi'ite Council of Lebanon. In North America, the producers formed a film consulting team that included scholars such as Dr. Khalid Abou El Fadl (UCLA), Ms. Firdosi Wharton-Ali (UCLA), Dr. John L. Esposito (Georgetown) and Dr. John S. Voll (Georgetown). What is the movie rated? Is it appropriate for children?: The movie was never rated, but it suitable for a general audience