Islamic body issues fatwa against new Russell Crowe religious epic Noah

The £75million religious epic Noah has been banned in three Arab countries for 'violating Islamic Law'.

16:40 10 March 2014

One of the most respected Islamic bodies in the world has issued a fatwa against Russell Crowe’s £75million film Noah because it “contradicts the teachings of Islam.” The film is also banned in three Arab countries after religious leaders complained that it depicted the Biblical figure – who is also a holy messenger in the Koran. It will not be shown in Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain.

The fatwa - a type of injunction under the laws of Islam - was made by the influential Al-Azhar institution in Cairo.

Islam forbids representing holy figures in art. Instead, it uses conceptual line patterns and lettering to adorn the walls of mosque.

A spokesman for Paramount Pictures said: 'Censors for Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE (United Arab Emirates) officially confirmed this week that the film will not release in their countries.

'The official statement they offered in confirming this news is because "it contradicts the teachings of Islam.”

Paramount responded by saying: 'While artistic license has been taken, we believe that this film is true to the essence, values and integrity of a story that is a cornerstone of faith for millions of people worldwide.”