Saudi Grand Mufti alleges “distortion of Islam” in Iranian “Muhammad” film

Rasa – The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia has claimed that Iranian director Majid Majidi’s “Muhammad: The Messenger of God” film is a “debauchery” and a “distortion of Islam.”

News ID: 3272

Date: 02 September 2015 - 23:41

RNA – Abdul-Aziz Aale al-Shaykh, the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia and the Chairman of the Board of Senior Scholars in Saudi Arabia, has stated that the screening of the Iranian film “Muhammad: The Messenger of God” is illegal because according to him the film is “a Majusi (infidel) film” and displays “enmity toward Islam” and thus, it should not be shown.

According to a Saudi newspaper, Aale al-Shaykh brought forth more claims against the epic film, saying: “The Messenger of God (S) is innocent from such measures and is known for his specific attributes and ethics. They [the Iranians] have portrayed something which is untrue and have mocked the Prophet Muhammad (S) and diminished his dignity because these vulgar and debauched actions are contrary to religion and are even a distortion of Islam and introduce it in such a bad manner.”

The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia warned about viewing and publishing this film because he didn’t trust the Iranians.

Despite the widespread critical acclaim and international acceptance of Majid Majidi’s “Muhammad: The Messenger of God” film several months before its premiere, Saudi preachers have taken a hostile position toward the film, allegedly because it its director is Iranian.

“Muhammad: The Messenger of God” is a 2015 Islamic epic Iranian film directed by Majid Majidi and co-written with Kambuzia Partovi. The film is set in the sixth century where the story revolves around the childhood of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad. The film marks Iran’s biggest-budget production to date.

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