Russell Crowe's new blockbuster movie Noah has had a fatwa issued against it for "contradicting the teachings of Islam".

The Biblical epic has been banned in three Arab countries for depicting the character Moses on film, something not allowed under Islamic law. Moses is considered a messenger of God, and revered with a whole chapter in the Qur'an depicting the building of the Ark and the floods.

Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates will not be showing the film when it premieres next month, due to the fatwa being issued by the highly-respected influential Al-Azhar institution in Cairo, which released a statement.

"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 from Paramount Pictures, the studio defends the epic and says they are expecting it to also be banned in Egypt, Kuwait and Jordan.

"Censors for Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE (United Arab Emirates) officially confirmed this week that the film will not release in their countries," reads the statement. "The official statement they offered in confirming this news is because 'it contradicts the teachings of Islam'... 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."