Darren Aronofsky's new movie, Noah, has been banned in Middle Eastern countries because of a fear of religious provocation. The Black Swan director has adapted the Christian bible tale of Noah's Ark for his new epic picture, which stars Russell Crowe, Emma Watson, Jennifer Connelly and Logan Lerman.

Russell Crowe
Russell Crowe Takes A Biblical Turn In Darren Aronofsky's 'Noah.'

The UAE, Qatar and Bahrain are among Middle Eastern countries banning Hollywood epic Noah as it breaks Islam's taboo of depicting a prophet, according to BBC News. "There are scenes that contradict Islam and the Bible, so we decided not to show it," Juma Al-Leem from UAE's National Media Centre said.

Watch The 'Noah' Trailer:

Cairo's Al-Azhar, the highest authority of Sunni Islam and a centre for Islamic teaching for more than a thousand years, issued the religious injunction known as a Fatwa against the Aronofsky's film last week. "Al-Azhar... renews its objection to any act depicting the messengers and prophets of God and the companions of the Prophet [Mohammad], peace be upon him," it announced in a statement.

Emma Watson
Emma Watson Stars In 'Noah,' A Biblical Adaptation That Has Been Shunned By Some Muslim Countries.

They "provoke the feelings of believers... and are forbidden in Islam and a clear violation of Islamic law," the Fatwa statement added. Though Paramount Studios have admitted that Noah takes artistic licence when telling the tale, the essential plot of a man who is tasked with the building of an ark to save his family and two of every species is essentially the same.

Noah Movie Jennifer Connelly
Despite The Bible & Qu'ran Stories Sharing Similarities, Aronofsky's Film Has Been Barred In Middle Eastern Countries.

These three countries have become the first to take a stand against Noah but other Muslim countries have said it is unlikely censors will approve the Hollywood blockbuster. The tension stems from the differences between depictions of Noah in the Bible and the Qu'ran. In the Islamic faith, Noah is referred to in Arabic as Nuh and the tale also mentions the flood and his vessel saving a pair of each animal species.

Noah will be released on the 28th March in the US and on the 4th April in the UK.