Ruling on Making Films Depicting the Battles of the Prophet ﷺ and the Companions (RA)
Is it permissible to produce films about the battles of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his noble Companions (رضی اللہ عنہم), as has been done in some Islamic countries?
Praise be to Allah, and blessings and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah. To proceed:
This act is discouraged (Makrooh) and every Muslim is obligated to denounce it. Watching such films is considered among the major sins (Kabā'ir).
Even if these films are about the Prophet ﷺ himself, producing and watching them is explicitly prohibited in Shari'ah.
Reasons:
◈ It constitutes disrespect and dishonor towards the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and his noble Companions (رضوان اللہ علیہم أجمعین).
◈ It is merely a fictional portrayal, not a reflection of reality.
◈ It is impossible to accurately depict the true appearance and character of the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions, hence whatever is presented will be purely imaginary.
◈ Actors are incapable of portraying the esteemed status and character of the Prophet ﷺ and the Companions, and presenting them in an unsuitable manner is a grave act of immorality and corruption.
This is a deceptive conspiracy by imposters (Dajjālīn) aimed at corrupting the beliefs and religion of Muslims.
I go further to say that all types of films, cinema, scopes, television, and recording devices, when used improperly, are included among major sins, especially when they involve songs, obscenity, and indecency.
These are deadly diseases from which the Muslim Ummah must be protected, due to their extremely harmful effects and the numerous sins they involve.
Allah Almighty says:
"قُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَغُضُّوا مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِمْ"
"Tell the believing men to lower their gaze."
(Surah An-Nur: 30)
Another verse:
"وَالْحَافِظِينَ فُرُوجَهُمْ وَالْحَافِظَاتِ"
"And those men and women who guard their private parts."
(Surah Al-Ahzab: 35)
If someone truly wishes to harm their children and society, they should promote such obscene videos, TV programs, and other impermissible means.
May Allah curse these immoral voices, disgraceful visuals, and reprehensible actions!
It is narrated in a Hadith:
❝ Two voices are accursed: the sound of singing and the sound of musical instruments. ❞
◈ This Hadith has a sound chain (Isnād Ṣaḥīḥ) and has been narrated by Imam Mundhiri in At-Targhīb (4/350) and Imam Bazzar in Hadith no. 795.
◈ All narrators in this chain are reliable (thiqat).
For further details refuting such acts, refer to "Fatāwā Ibn Bāz" (1/417).
✔ Making films about the battles of the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions (RA) is Islamically prohibited and discouraged.
✔ Watching such films is also included among the major sins.
✔ It is a form of disrespect towards the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and his Companions, as it is impossible to truly represent their faces, character, and status.
✔ Films and TV shows that include indecency, music, and obscenity are forbidden in Islam, and it is obligatory to avoid them.
Therefore, Muslims must completely refrain from both producing and watching such films.
وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَاب
❖ Question
Is it permissible to produce films about the battles of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his noble Companions (رضی اللہ عنہم), as has been done in some Islamic countries?
❖ Answer
Praise be to Allah, and blessings and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah. To proceed:
This act is discouraged (Makrooh) and every Muslim is obligated to denounce it. Watching such films is considered among the major sins (Kabā'ir).
① The Islamic Ruling on Images and Filmmaking
Even if these films are about the Prophet ﷺ himself, producing and watching them is explicitly prohibited in Shari'ah.
Reasons:
◈ It constitutes disrespect and dishonor towards the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and his noble Companions (رضوان اللہ علیہم أجمعین).
◈ It is merely a fictional portrayal, not a reflection of reality.
◈ It is impossible to accurately depict the true appearance and character of the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions, hence whatever is presented will be purely imaginary.
◈ Actors are incapable of portraying the esteemed status and character of the Prophet ﷺ and the Companions, and presenting them in an unsuitable manner is a grave act of immorality and corruption.
This is a deceptive conspiracy by imposters (Dajjālīn) aimed at corrupting the beliefs and religion of Muslims.
② General Ruling on Films, Cinema, and Television
I go further to say that all types of films, cinema, scopes, television, and recording devices, when used improperly, are included among major sins, especially when they involve songs, obscenity, and indecency.
These are deadly diseases from which the Muslim Ummah must be protected, due to their extremely harmful effects and the numerous sins they involve.
Allah Almighty says:"قُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَغُضُّوا مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِمْ"
"Tell the believing men to lower their gaze."
(Surah An-Nur: 30) Another verse:"وَالْحَافِظِينَ فُرُوجَهُمْ وَالْحَافِظَاتِ"
"And those men and women who guard their private parts."
(Surah Al-Ahzab: 35)If someone truly wishes to harm their children and society, they should promote such obscene videos, TV programs, and other impermissible means.
May Allah curse these immoral voices, disgraceful visuals, and reprehensible actions!
③ Evidence from Hadith
It is narrated in a Hadith:❝ Two voices are accursed: the sound of singing and the sound of musical instruments. ❞
◈ This Hadith has a sound chain (Isnād Ṣaḥīḥ) and has been narrated by Imam Mundhiri in At-Targhīb (4/350) and Imam Bazzar in Hadith no. 795.
◈ All narrators in this chain are reliable (thiqat).
For further details refuting such acts, refer to "Fatāwā Ibn Bāz" (1/417).
Conclusion
✔ Making films about the battles of the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions (RA) is Islamically prohibited and discouraged.
✔ Watching such films is also included among the major sins.
✔ It is a form of disrespect towards the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and his Companions, as it is impossible to truly represent their faces, character, and status.
✔ Films and TV shows that include indecency, music, and obscenity are forbidden in Islam, and it is obligatory to avoid them.
Therefore, Muslims must completely refrain from both producing and watching such films.
وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَاب
