Ali Ahmet Salem, a Libyan actor who played Bilal the Habeshi in the 1977 film The Message, directed by Mustafa Akkad, has passed away.

Salem portrayed the moments when Bilal the Abyssinian called Muslims to pray, which is considered one of the most impressive scenes in the film The Message, during the birth of Islam.

The 81-year-old actor had been receiving treatment from illnesses for many years.

Born in Benghazi in 1945, Salem became known for his role as Bilal the Abyssinian, which he portrayed in the film of The Message, although he had previously appeared in some roles.

Later, Salem was an assistant director in the film Desert Lion, which was directed by Akkad and was based on the life of Omar Mukhtar.

Salem was cited and awarded among the influential 48 names of the Arab world by the Council of Arab Information Ministers in Cairo in 2017.

During the preparation of The Message Film, Director Akkad announced that the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali wanted to play the role of Bilal the Abyssinian.

Akkad, who kindly refused Muhammad Ali's request, had stated that he refused this request because he thought that the legendary boxer's fame would get in front of the Message film.

ILKHA