An insider from Paramount Pictures announced last Sunday that three Arab nations, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates has already banned the screening of Hollywood's latest Bible epic, Noah, before even its world premiere. The same represented also speculated that other Islam countries will also express the same reaction to the motion picture.
Noah, is a key figure in the book of Genesis who was spared by God in the flood that destroyed all of humanity. However he is a figure who is revered by Christians, Jews and even Muslims. In fact, Noah has an entire chapter devoted to his story in the Koran. However, the reason why Arab nations are showing such sensitive reactions to the film was that they were not happy about emerging holy figures with art and creativity.
Al-Azhar from Cairo, who is the most notable figure in the Sunni sect of Islam, stated that the movie would "provoke the feelings of believers"¦and are forbidden in Islam and a clear violation of Islamic law." However, in 2004, Mel Gibson's The Passion of The Christ, a picture on the crucifixion was screened in Arab nations despite heavy criticisms from Islam authorities.
Noah
However, Muslims have good reason to show sensitive reactions to Noah. In 2006, a Danish newspaper carried a cartoon figure of the Muslim prophet Muhammad. The illustration caused riots and protests in several countries in the Middle East. However, Hollywood insiders stated that though there was a great deal of imagination for Noah, the film was still loyal to the biblical accounts.
