The Darren Aronofsky-directed biblical blockbuster ‘Noah’, which stars Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, and Emma Watson, has been banned in Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates for violating Islamic law.

Paramount Pictures were informed that the censorship boards in the three Muslim countries would block the release of the film on Thursday, with Egypt, Jordan and Kuwait believed to be following suit according to the Washington Times.

These decisions to ban the film follow a fatwa issued by Egyption Sunni Muslim institution Al Azhar, which said in a statement translated by Al-Arabiya:

“Al-Azhar prohibits the screening of a film that characterizes Noah.

Al-Azhar renews its rejection to the screening of any production that characterizes Allah’s prophets and messengers and the companions of the Prophet [Mohammad].

Therefore, al-Azhar announces the prohibition of the upcoming film about the Allah’s messenger Noah – peace be upon him.”

This hostile reception form some of the Islamic community follows some controversy with the American Christian community, with the marketing for the film changed at the last minute without the approval of the director according to The Wrap. Paramount has also agreed to add a religious disclaimer to the film, which says:

“The film is inspired by the story of Noah. 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. The biblical story of Noah can be found in the book of Genesis.”