Speaking to Hawzah News Agency, Nazari stated that the personality of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stands as one of the most comprehensive and influential figures in human history.
"When we speak of the Prophet of Islam, we are addressing a personality whose thought and conduct have not remained confined to a single historical period, but have shaped human civilization across centuries and continue to inspire contemporary humanity," Nazari said.
He noted that the Prophet's life is filled with humane, social, and ethical situations, each carrying the potential to become an independent dramatic narrative — a capacity rarely found in other historical figures.
"From his childhood and the conditions of the pre-Islamic society to his prophethood and the formation of the Islamic community, every stage of his life possesses deep dramatic and humane layers," he added.
Multi-Dimensional Character
Nazari emphasized that the Prophet's personality cannot be reduced to a single dimension, as he embodied a combination of ethical, managerial, spiritual, and humane qualities.
"Kindness, justice, courage, foresight, and rationality together have shaped the identity of this personality, and this multi-layered nature makes him an exceptional subject for the performing arts," the director said.
He stressed that artists must conduct thorough research before producing works about the Prophet, drawing on history, sociology, personality psychology, and religious studies to create authentic and enduring productions.
"Without such understanding, artistic works drift toward clichés and superficiality," Nazari warned.
Breaking Stereotypes
The theater director identified one of the key challenges in religious productions as moving beyond simplistic and one-dimensional portrayals.
"Artists must connect the various layers of the Prophet's character to reach its central core — the essence that gives meaning to his actions and decisions. Without reaching this core, the work remains superficial and fails to convey its true message," he explained.
Nazari pointed to Majid Majidi's film "Muhammad: The Messenger of God" as a significant milestone in religious cinema, demonstrating that the Prophet's presence and influence can be felt in a narrative without directly depicting him.
"However, large portions of the Prophet's life and thought remain unexplored in cinema and theater, leaving vast untapped potential for creating works that could resonate with global audiences," he said.
Universal Message
Nazari underscored the importance of presenting the Prophet as a messenger of mercy and compassion to the world through various artistic mediums, including cinema, theater, literature, and animation.
"Art creates a common language among cultures and removes geographical boundaries, making the message universal," he noted.
He added that in a world grappling with violence and extremism, an accurate artistic portrayal of the Prophet's life can present a genuine and humane image of Islam.
"The Prophet's teachings offer a common human language — concepts such as justice, ethics, and respect for human dignity transcend geographical and religious boundaries. Art can transform these concepts into a universal language and facilitate dialogue among cultures," Nazari said.
The academic concluded by calling for collaboration between universities, research centers, cultural institutions, and artists to establish a sustainable movement in producing works about the Prophet of Islam.
"Only through such cooperation can we present a comprehensive, artistic, and global image of the Prophet's character — one that remains faithful to historical truth while being accessible and impactful for contemporary audiences," he said.
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