This article is derived from the book 500 Questions and Answers for Women, which is based on the fatwas of the scholars of the Haramain. The translation has been done by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.
Therefore, how can we, as an Ummah that distinguishes between what Allah has made lawful and unlawful, adopt the culture, traditions, and practices of those who do not abide by the commands of Allah?
These means of entertainment, which non-believers regard as a source of moral and social development, are only relevant to them. We do not need them because we have something far superior. As mentioned in the Hadith narrated by Jabir bin Abdullah (رضي الله عنه):
The Prophet (ﷺ) once saw a piece of parchment in the hands of Umar bin Khattab (رضي الله عنه) and asked:
"What is this?"
Umar (رضي الله عنه) replied:
"This is a paper that a Jew gave me, containing some writings from the Torah."
Upon hearing this, the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
"Are you in doubt, O Ibn Khattab, just as the Jews and Christians were in doubt? By Allah, if Musa (عليه السلام) were alive today, he would have no choice but to follow me!"
[Musnad Ahmad 387/3, Hasan]
"O Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), designate a tree for us as a 'Dhat Anwat' (like the idolaters have) where we can hang our weapons."
Upon hearing this, the Prophet (ﷺ) replied:
"Allahu Akbar! These are the traditions of the past nations! You have said exactly what the people of Musa (عليه السلام) said to him: 'Make for us a god just as they have gods!'"
[Musnad Ahmad 218/5, Sahih]
This comparison highlights how even a verbal resemblance to non-Muslim practices was condemned by the Prophet (ﷺ). Therefore, how can we justify adopting their entertainment methods?
The answer is simple: they lack spiritual nourishment. Their lives revolve around materialism, and they seek artificial means of motivation and moral improvement.
However, Muslims do not need to imitate them in this regard. Acquiring technological advancements such as cars and airplanes is entirely different from adopting cultural practices like films and dramas. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
"Whoever imitates a people, he is one of them."
[Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 4031, Sahih]
Instead of discussing what is permissible and impermissible in television, why not focus on ensuring that television is used for genuine Islamic benefit?
For instance:
✔ If a television channel broadcasts an Islamic scholar explaining the rites of Hajj, allowing Muslims to learn, it would be useful.
✔ If a scholar is shown demonstrating the correct way of performing Salah, helping people learn the Sunnah method of prayer, it would be beneficial.
However, instead of striving for meaningful Islamic content, we often debate over whether certain forms of entertainment are allowed or not.
[Fatwa by Sheikh Muhammad Nasiruddin al-Albani (رحمه الله)]
Question:
What is the ruling on watching religious films and dramas?Answer:
There are multiple reasons why films and dramas are not permissible in Islam. Some of these reasons are as follows:➊ First Reason:
Undoubtedly, films and dramas are an imitation of non-believers. This is a practice that belongs to them and is not befitting for Muslims. Non-believers believe they require such means of motivation and inspiration because they lack a divine law (Shari’ah). However, Alhamdulillah, we have the Qur’an, which contains abundant guidance and wisdom. A single verse from the Qur’an holds more value than numerous films and dramas.Therefore, how can we, as an Ummah that distinguishes between what Allah has made lawful and unlawful, adopt the culture, traditions, and practices of those who do not abide by the commands of Allah?
These means of entertainment, which non-believers regard as a source of moral and social development, are only relevant to them. We do not need them because we have something far superior. As mentioned in the Hadith narrated by Jabir bin Abdullah (رضي الله عنه):
The Prophet (ﷺ) once saw a piece of parchment in the hands of Umar bin Khattab (رضي الله عنه) and asked:
"What is this?"
Umar (رضي الله عنه) replied:
"This is a paper that a Jew gave me, containing some writings from the Torah."
Upon hearing this, the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
"Are you in doubt, O Ibn Khattab, just as the Jews and Christians were in doubt? By Allah, if Musa (عليه السلام) were alive today, he would have no choice but to follow me!"
[Musnad Ahmad 387/3, Hasan]
➋ Second Reason:
These films and dramas contain fabricated stories that lack authenticity in Islamic history or the Seerah (biography) of the Prophet (ﷺ). Many details are exaggerated or falsely added, leading to misinformation.➌ Third Reason:
These productions often involve:- Men imitating women and vice versa, which is explicitly forbidden in Islam.
- Mixing of men and women, which leads to inappropriate interactions.
"O Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), designate a tree for us as a 'Dhat Anwat' (like the idolaters have) where we can hang our weapons."
Upon hearing this, the Prophet (ﷺ) replied:
"Allahu Akbar! These are the traditions of the past nations! You have said exactly what the people of Musa (عليه السلام) said to him: 'Make for us a god just as they have gods!'"
[Musnad Ahmad 218/5, Sahih]
This comparison highlights how even a verbal resemblance to non-Muslim practices was condemned by the Prophet (ﷺ). Therefore, how can we justify adopting their entertainment methods?
The Root of the Issue:
Why are non-believers so eager to create and watch films and dramas?The answer is simple: they lack spiritual nourishment. Their lives revolve around materialism, and they seek artificial means of motivation and moral improvement.
However, Muslims do not need to imitate them in this regard. Acquiring technological advancements such as cars and airplanes is entirely different from adopting cultural practices like films and dramas. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
"Whoever imitates a people, he is one of them."
[Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 4031, Sahih]
Is There Any Permissible Use of Television?
If a television is used solely for beneficial and lawful content, such as Islamic education, then it can be a permissible tool. However, when it includes both permissible and impermissible content, it becomes a source of harm.Instead of discussing what is permissible and impermissible in television, why not focus on ensuring that television is used for genuine Islamic benefit?
For instance:
✔ If a television channel broadcasts an Islamic scholar explaining the rites of Hajj, allowing Muslims to learn, it would be useful.
✔ If a scholar is shown demonstrating the correct way of performing Salah, helping people learn the Sunnah method of prayer, it would be beneficial.
However, instead of striving for meaningful Islamic content, we often debate over whether certain forms of entertainment are allowed or not.
[Fatwa by Sheikh Muhammad Nasiruddin al-Albani (رحمه الله)]