search
Off the arkOff the ark

Egyptian Islamists say no to ‘Noah’

By portraying a prophet, Hollywood film ‘antagonizes the faithful,’ says Sunni institute

Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly in 'Noah' (Paramount Pictures)
Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly in 'Noah' (Paramount Pictures)

CAIRO — Egypt’s top Islamic body has said that the big budget Hollywood biblical epic “Noah” starring Russell Crowe was irreligious and should not be screened in the country.

The Al-Azhar institute, one of the region’s main Sunni Muslim authorities, said the movie, slated to open in Egypt on March 26, violated Islam by portraying a prophet.

The film has already angered some Christian institutions in the United States, with Crowe’s reportedly unconventional portrayal of Noah.

Al-Azhar can play an advisory role on censoring movies and books in Egypt, but does not have the final say.

Portraying a prophet “contradicts the stature of prophets and messengers… and antagonizes the faithful,” the institution said in a statement Thursday.

Egypt’s censorship board must approve any movie before it is shown, but it was not immediately clear whether it has approved “Noah” yet.

The Paramount Pictures website said the film would be released on March 26 in Egypt, and a day later in other Middle Eastern countries.

Egypt has censored other movies in the past, including the blockbuster “The Da Vinci Code,” after protests from the Orthodox Coptic Church.

But it did allow the screening of Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of Christ,” which depicts Jesus being crucified.

Muslims believe Jesus was a prophet and was not crucified.

read more:
Never miss breaking news on Israel
Get notifications to stay updated
You're subscribed
image
Register for free
and continue reading
Registering also lets you comment on articles and helps us improve your experience. It takes just a few seconds.
Already registered? Enter your email to sign in.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Or Continue with
By registering you agree to the terms and conditions. Once registered, you’ll receive our Daily Edition email for free.
Register to continue
Or Continue with
Log in to continue
Sign in or Register
Or Continue with
check your email
Check your email
We sent an email to you at .
It has a link that will sign you in.