The Message 1976

Muhammad sends invitations to accept Islam to world rulers

The film opens with Muhammad sending formal invitations to embrace Islam to the rulers: Heraclius of the Byzantines, Muqawqis of Alexandria, and Kisra of the Sasanian Empire. The move signals Islam's intention to reach beyond Mecca. These outreach efforts frame the religious movement as a global message from the start.

Gabriel's visitation and command to spread Quran

The Prophet Muhammad is visited by the angel Gabriel, who delivers the message to begin revealing and spreading the Quran. Muhammad is deeply shaken by the encounter, realizing he has a divine mandate to proclaim the faith. This moment marks the awakening of his prophetic mission.

Early converts in Mecca

A small number of Meccans begin to convert to Islam, planting the seed of a new religious community. They face skepticism and pressure from local authorities who view the message as a threat. Despite opposition, these early believers persevere and lay the groundwork for the community's growth.

Persecution and confiscation of possessions

Muslim followers are hunted and their possessions confiscated as Meccan leaders intensify their opposition. Muhammad and his companions are forced to flee to protect themselves and their families. The community's endurance under persecution foreshadows the forthcoming migration.

Followers seek refuge in Abyssinia

Some Muslims seek refuge in Abyssinia under the protection of the Christian king, finding safety from the Meccan oppression. The king's hospitality provides a crucial sanctuary for the fledgling faith. This exodus demonstrates early Muslims' willingness to seek shelter beyond their homeland.

Migration to Medina and founding the Quba Mosque

The believers head north to Medina, where they are warmly welcomed and establish the first mosque, the Quba Mosque. The move shifts the community from persecution to organized living in a city that will become Islam's new center. They begin to form a structured community with communal prayer spaces.

Market rumors and permission to act

Muhammad learns that Muslim possessions are being sold in Mecca's market, illustrating economic coercion against the followers. While he sometimes pursues peace, he also receives permission to take military action when necessary. This period leads into the first conflicts and battles.

Battle of Badr

The Muslims achieve a decisive victory at the Battle of Badr, boosting morale and legitimacy of the new community. The victory signals divine favor and the strengthening of their position in Medina. Mecca is pushed back as the fledgling force demonstrates growing strength.

Battle of Uhud

In the Battle of Uhud, the Meccans return with a larger army and execute a tactic that catches the Muslims off guard. Hamza, one of Muhammad's leading uncles, is killed in the fighting. The Muslims' initial success collapses as discipline falters and a rear attack turns the tide.

Ten-year truce

A ten-year truce is concluded between the Meccans and Muslims, creating a fragile pause in hostilities. For a period, both sides refrain from large-scale battles while tensions simmer. The pact temporarily redirects conflict and reshapes regional power dynamics.

Khalid ibn Walid converts

Khalid ibn Walid, a famed Meccan general who had killed many Muslims, converts to Islam. His change in allegiance strengthens the Muslim cause and signals shifting loyalties in the region. The conversion broadens the scope of Muslim resistance and resilience.

Night raids and Abu Sufyan's Medina visit

Night raids on Muslim camps fuel suspicions that Meccans are breaking the truce. Abu Sufyan travels to Medina seeking protection and arguing that robbers, not his people, violated the pact. The Muslims refuse him an audience, maintaining the resolve to confront those who broke faith.

Conquest of Mecca — eve of attack and surrender

On the eve of the assault, Abu Sufyan comes to Medina seeking a deal, but the Muslims stand firm and the Meccans are unable to resist. Mecca falls into Muslim hands without bloodshed, marking a dramatic turning point in the conquest. The surrender reshapes control of the region and the future of the Arabian Peninsula.

Destruction of idols and first adhan

With Mecca under Muslim control, the pagan idols inside the Kaaba are destroyed. Bilal ibn Rabah calls the adhan from the Kaaba, symbolizing the official proclamation of Islam within the city. The city experiences a profound religious reorientation as the monotheistic call echoes across the sacred space.