Ariel Shaw

September 1, 2015
HIST 1100-002

Film Paper
The Messenger

Synopsis
Before the rise of Islam, Arabia was dominated by idolatry. Hundreds
upon hundreds of gods and goddesses were worshipped freely, and many of
them were housed in Mecca, a large trade city in modern day Saudi Arabia.
Muhammad was born in Mecca about 600 years after the death of Christ.
He preached the word of Allah to the forsaken people in Mecca, earning a
reputation for himself and his disciples. The early Muslims were ostracized
by the community, mainly by the older generations. Everyone in Mecca
believed Muhammad was corrupting the youth with his idea of there being
only one god, and that he was evoking the rage of their many gods. The
Quarish seek and persecute active Muslims in their city, forcing the Muslims
to leave Mecca. They leave to Abyssinia, then later to Medina where they
built the first mosque.
The Quarish provoke the Muslims to go into war, ultimately being
defeated although having a ridiculous advantage. Shortly after, another war
breaks out, ending with a ten-year truce signed between the quarreling
cultures.
Not even a year after, the Quarish break the truce, inviting the Muslims
into Mecca. Many Quarish convert to Islam and Mecca is named a holy site
where no blood shall be spilt.

Critique
The Message was overall correct with its dates, places and names. It said
the proper dates when Muhammad was born, when the Muslims left Mecca,
and when the major battles took place. The old cities of Mecca and Medina
were accurately designed by stage artists, and the battles were wellperformed. Most of the crew that made the movie were Muslims themselves,
so the dialect and names were accurate.
The film was unclear of the whereabouts of Muhammad, as the narrative
was focused on Abu Talib and other Muslims. It seemed as though
Muhammad was shown in Medina one day, then in Mecca the next.
Other things, like (what I personally call) folk stories are included in the
film. The story about Muhammads she-camels resting spot in Medina
became the foundation of the first mosque. Including such testaments gave
the film more credibility and made it more intriguing for an outsider of Islam.
Thematic Ties
The Islamic culture is dependent on the beliefs of the community. A
common faith in Allah drives Muslims to come together and work harder for
what they want than anyone else. The battles of Badir and Uhud were won
because the Quarish simply didnt want it as bad as the Muslims.

The idolatry culture in Mecca was at its end, and Islam was just beginning.
Islamic culture swallowed Mecca, replacing the idols with Allah and his
worship. The Invasion of Old Mecca was also the Mixture of Islam1.

1 Carroll Quigley, The Evolution of Civilizations

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