CAIRO — Observers disagree about the reasoning behind Al-Azhar's objection to the Iranian movie “Muhammad: The Messenger of God,” which premiered in Iran in movie theaters Aug. 27. Some have noted that a ban or condemnation does not protect Islamic beliefs and values given access to the Internet. At some point in time, youths and others around the world will be able to watch the movie regardless of Al-Azhar’s objection. Some critics of the Islamic institution's position believe it reflects politics rather than religious concerns.

“Muhammad,” directed by the Iranian director Majid Majidi, focuses on the childhood of Prophet Muhammad. The controversy surrounding it has been stirred by its alleged physical representations of the prophet. On Aug. 25, Majidi indicated that the movie shows Muhammad in the form of a shadow and from behind, without any physical features. He hopes the movie will change the violent image of Islam that many people around the world now associate with the religion due to the acts of terror committed by extremists.

The three-hour film cost $40 million to produce and was funded in part by the Iranian state. It is the most expensive movie in the history of Iranian cinema. Neighborhoods similar to those in Mecca some 1,400 years ago were built in south Tehran.

In a Sept. 2 statement, Abdul Aziz al-Sheikh, mufti of Saudi Arabia, said, “The movie tarnishes and antagonizes Islam. It should not be shown if Sharia is to be respected.” That same day, the Muslim World League issued an announcement critical of the movie, citing the “prohibition of representing the prophet in artistic works.” The league called on Iranian officials to “stop showing the movie and ban it because it disrespects Prophet Muhammad.” It also instructed Muslims worldwide to “boycott the movie because it insults the position of prophecy.”