Author: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman Azmi (رحمہ اللہ)
We pray to Allah Almighty to guide Muslims towards actions that ensure their reform and salvation. May He grant those responsible for media and journalism the wisdom to produce content beneficial to society and protect them from the evils of their souls and the deception of Satan.
Prohibition of Publishing or Promoting Immoral Magazines
It is impermissible to publish magazines or journals that include:- Pictures of women intended to promote immorality.
- Content encouraging adultery, homosexuality, obscenity, or the use of intoxicants.
- Any material that invites towards falsehood or assists in its spread.
Islamic Evidence for the Prohibition
- Quranic Command:Allah Almighty says:
"And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty."
[Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2)] - Prophetic Guidance:
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
"Whoever invites to good will have a reward similar to that of those who follow it, without their rewards being diminished in any respect. And whoever invites to misguidance will bear a sin similar to that of those who follow it, without their sins being diminished in any respect."
[Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2674] - Warning Against Immorality:
The Prophet (ﷺ) also said:
"There are two types of people of Hell whom I have not yet seen: People with whips like the tails of cows, with which they strike people; and women who are clothed yet naked, walking with an enticing gait and luring others. Their heads are like the humps of camels tilted to one side. They will not enter Paradise nor even smell its fragrance, although its fragrance can be detected from such-and-such a distance."
[Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2128]
Responsibility of Muslims and Media Stakeholders
Muslims must avoid all activities that contribute to societal corruption and the spread of immorality. Media practitioners and those responsible for journalism are urged to uphold ethical values and promote content that ensures societal well-being and security.We pray to Allah Almighty to guide Muslims towards actions that ensure their reform and salvation. May He grant those responsible for media and journalism the wisdom to produce content beneficial to society and protect them from the evils of their souls and the deception of Satan.