British cinema pulls screening of Oscar-nominated film about the life of Mohammed after less than 100 complaints

• The Grosvenor in Glasgow was due to show The Message on Sunday 
• It was being shown at the request of the Islamic Society of Britain (ISB) 
• But due to an online petition it has been cancelled to avoid protests 
• The film was the subject of fierce protests when it was being made in 1977 

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The film was the subject of fierce protests when it was being made nearly 40 years ago

A British cinema has cancelled the screening of an Oscar-nominated film about the life of  Mohamed due to complaints that the film stars non-Muslims and has music and dancing.

The Grosvenor in Glasgow's West End was due to show The Message on Sunday at the request of the Islamic Society of Britain (ISB).

But due to an online petition which received the backing of 94 users, some of which were from Nigeria, Bahrain, Mauritius and Saudi Arabia, the showing has been cancelled to avoid potential disruption and protests.

Those behind the boycott claim the 1977 film is 'inappropriate and disrespectful' because it stars non-Muslim actors and it features historical inaccuracies. 

It says: 'This film is hugely inappropriate and we humbly request the ISB reconsider and refrain from showing this film.

'The film contains other inappropriate material such as music and dancing.'

The opponents add that use of non-Muslim actors to portray key people behind the birth of Islam is 'totally unacceptable'.

The film was the subject of fierce protests when it was being made nearly 40 years ago which included a hostage-taking incident that resulted in the deaths of two people. 

When it was released, it was nominated for an Oscar in the Best Music category. 

The ISB said it is with 'deep regret' the showing was cancelled especially 'in the face of a small number of objections'.

They have received the backing of the Scottish Minister for International Development Humza Yousaf.

The SNP politician said: 'I am appalled that they have caved in the face of a few narrow-minded imbeciles.'

A spokesman for the ISB said: 'As Scottish Muslims we believe in the principles of freedom of speech and have worked for decades to promote the rights of people to make Islam relevant to British society.

'Everyone must have the right to live by their beliefs, and we must learn to tolerate differences of scholarly opinion.

'These protesters demonstrate the worst elements of our community, as they are imposing their beliefs on others.

'We will not be bullied by these people and challenge them to make themselves known.

'We are also appealing for the Grosvenor to stick to the original agreement and show the film.'

G1 Group, which owns the Grosvenor cinema has been approached for comment.