Television has become the most common way of entertainment and amusement
today.
It has replaced many physical activities, like sports and reading,
which were
previously utilized by people to spend their leisure
time. However, television is not
the correct substitute for those
activities, which besides entertaining also enhance
skills and
talents. Research performed on the impact of television
undoubtedly
prove its ill effects upon the viewers! Moreover, most
part of the entertainment
programs displayed on television
transgress Islamic bounds…
The
Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “Everything
with which a
man amuses himself is Baatil (baseless, null and
impermissible) – except three, his
practicing with bow (and
arrow); his training the horse and his playing with his
family.”
[Saheeh al-Bukharee]
This
Hadeeth encourages the Muslims to choose
amusements that benefit
him, either by improving skills or strengthening family
ties.
Television, on the other hand, severs family bonds. Television
programs
dealing with family and personal matters suggest a
lifestyle far from reality; singleparent
families, children out of
wedlock, continuous disputes and problems are
publicized as normal
way of life and divorce is portrayed as the easiest way out!
Islam
does not allow any amusement, which make people negligent of
Allah.
Television does not only make one negligent of Allah’s
remembrance, but it also
makes people negligent of their
obligatory duties, especially the Salaah (prayer).
Television
transmits fictitious stories, which greatly attract the viewers, as
it takes
one away from the reality into the world of desires and
fantasy. Islam is in strong
opposition to such illusions, because
illusions make man negligent of death and
Hereafter. The Prophet
(sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “Make mention of the
destroyer
of desires (i.e. death) very often.” [(Hasan) at-Tirmidhee no:
2049, and
Ibn Majah no: 4258]
Television
also destroys the Muslim’s Aqeedah, Character, Health, Wealth, and
it
has also become a cause of wasting time, as we shall see in the
following:
Destruction of Aqeedah:
Television
displays images and stories of Shirk, un-Islamic cultures and rituals
that
inevitably influence the viewer’s belief. Many Muslims have
been lead to believe in
the false ideas and beliefs presented on
the television – the proof for this is the
increasing number of
un-Islamic beliefs that are rampant in the Muslim society,
like
spirit possession, belief in good luck charms and amulets,
belief in auspiciousness
and inauspiciousness of particular days
and numbers, belief in fortune telling and
astrology, etc.
Sometimes,
television propagates false ideas and beliefs in such subtle way that
the
viewer learns them unknowingly, especially in children
programs, where ‘super
heroes’, like superman, etc. are often
portrayed as the saviors of the Universe and
its inhabitants, who
reach anywhere and everywhere to help people and protect
them from
any kind of dangers!! Such ideas corrupt the basic beliefs of Islam
that
Allah Alone is the Ruler and Savior of mankind and He alone
can protect the people
from all harm.
So,
television can gradually destroy our Aqeedah and subsequently ruin
our
Hereafter, because Aqeedah is the foundation of Islam. It is
necessary that the
Aqeedah be free from all un-Islamic influences,
in order to escape the Hell-Fire.
This requires that we avoid all
chances and means that cause danger to our
Aqeedah – one of
which is watching television!
One
should not only be concerned about his beliefs and actions, but he
should also
take precautions to safeguard the Aqeedah of his
family members, since on the Day
of Judgment, everybody will be
accounted for his actions and the actions of those
under his
guardianship. Allah says in the Qur’aan: “Oh you who believe,
save
yourselves and your families from the fire which is fueled by
men and stones. Over
it are Angels who are stern, and strong, who
do not disobey Allah’s orders and they
do what He orders”
[Soorah at-Tahrim (66): 6]
The
Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “Every one
of you is a protector and a guardian of his immediate charge and is
responsible for the actions of those people who are
committed to
his charge. A man is a guardian in respect to the family members
of
his house. A woman is a guardian in respect to her husband’s
house and his
children.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim]
Destruction of Islamic Morals:
Immoral
behavior, violence, crime, music, singing, use of tobacco, alcohol
and
cigarette are some of the many un-Islamic behaviors taught by
the Television.
Especially children, television teaches them to
lie, cheat and steal from early ages!
Music
is an integral part of television – Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu
alaihi wasallam)
said: “Verily, I forbid two voices, which are
imbecilic and sinfully
shameless; one, a voice (of singing)
accompanied by musical instruments and
Shaytaan’s wind
instrument…” [al-Hakim] Scholars mention many wisdoms behind
the
prohibition of music, like music sprouts hypocrisy, prevents the
heart from
Allah’s remembrance, excites sinful desires, etc. but
the fact that Allah’s Messenger
(sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam)
called it the voice of Shaytaan should be enough for
the believer
to understand the great harm and danger associated with music!
Advertisements
on television fully exploit female voice and use semi-nude
female
pictures to promote and sell their products. Whereas, Islam
has even prohibited the
women to speak in soft voice with the
strangers, Allah says: “…be not soft in
speech, lest he in
whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for
adultery,
etc.) should be moved with desire, but speak in a
honorable manner.” [Soorah al-
Ahzab (33): 32]
Immodesty,
nudity and free mixing of men and women are the most apparent
evil
spread by the television. Islam teaches that modesty is a
part of Eemaan and
prohibits the mixing of sexes. But television
puts great emphasis on immorality and
fornication (zina) regarding
which Allah says in the Qur’aan, “…come not near to
zina.
Verily, it is Fahishah (immoral sin) and an evil way.” [Soorah
al-Isra (17): 32]
Islam
does not only consider the actual act of fornication to be zina, but
Allah’s
Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “The
zina of the eyes is the gaze (at
which is unlawful, e.g. Nudity);
the zina of the ears is to listen (to the unlawful, e.g.
talks of
nudity which excite illicit desires, music, etc.); the zina of the
tongue is to
speak (what is evil); the zina of the hand is to
touch (the female who is unlawful to
you); the zina of the feet is
to walk (towards unlawful); the zina of the heart is to
desire
(that is unlawful) and it is the private parts which either commit or
shuns
the actual act of fornication.” [Saheeh Muslim]
So,
watching nudity and evils displayed on television is zina of the
eyes, listening to
them is zina of the ears, and the illicit
desires aroused by them means zina of the
heart. Allah says:
“Verily! Hearing, Sight, and the heart, all will be questioned
(by
Allah).” [Soorah al-Isra (17): 36]
Imaam
Ibn Katheer (rahimahullah) writes, ‘the person will be asked about
them (all
parts of the body) on the Day of Resurrection, and they
(all parts of his body) will
be asked about him and what did he do
with them?’
Repeatedly
watching the evil displayed on television so adversely influence
the
viewer’s mind that he considers them to be the acceptable
mode of behavior, he
gradually looses his Haya (modesty, shame and
shyness) and imitates the evil.
Allah’s
Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “…If you do not
have Haya,
then do whatever you want.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee]
Imaam
an-Nawawi (rahimahullah) said in the commentary of this Hadeeth,
“When
he looses his Haya, he will freely indulge in what Allah
has prohibited. This is
similar to the Hadeeth, “…Let him take
his seat in Hell-Fire.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee
and Saheeh Muslim]
meaning he will take his seat in the Fire… what prevents a
person
from indulging in sin is al-Haya that he has. When he abandons
al-Haya, he
will be like the one whose character and habits order
him to indulge in every type of
evil.” Researches testify to the
fact that many people actually enact the crime and
violence
displayed on television!
Destruction of Wealth:
Wealth
is a trial from Allah, and the believers are expected to earn it from
lawful
means and also spend it in the lawful needs, otherwise,
wealth can become a
source of misery in the Hereafter.
Allah
says in the Qur’aan: “And among mankind are those who purchase
Lahwal-
Hadis (idle talk) so as to lead astray (others) from the
Path of Allah. And they make
a mockery of the laws of Allah. To
them, there is a disgraceful punishment… Give
them the news of a
painful punishment.” [Soorah Luqman (31): 6-7]
Ibn Mas’oud
(radhi allahu anhu) commented about the verse saying this
(Lahwal-Hadis)
refers to singing. Ibn Jarir (rahimahullah) said
about this verse that it (Lahwal-Hadis) means
all speech that
hinder people from seeing the signs of Allah and following His
Path.
Other scholars explain that this verse was revealed to
prohibit music and stories
imported from Persia, since they divert
man’s attention from the remembrance of
Allah and take him into
the realm of imagination. — Television consist all these evil
—
Therefore, purchasing television is purchasing Lahwal-Hadis, which is
spending
wealth in the unlawful and thus destruction of wealth.
Allah’s
Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “The servant of Allah
will
remain standing on the Day of Judgment until he is questioned
about… his wealth,
from where he acquired it and in what way
he spent it…” [At-Tirmidhee]
Destruction of Time and Health:
People
spend hours watching television, which is damaging to the physical
and
mental health. It also increases obesity, which is the root
cause of many
treacherous diseases like heart disease and
diabetes. Television causes laziness and
inefficiency in people.
Students spend more time watching television and neglect
studies
and learning.
We
should realize that time and health are two great blessings of Allah
for which
Allah will account us on the Day of Resurrection. The
Messenger of Allah (sallallahu
alaihi wa-sallam) said: “The
servant of Allah will remain standing on the Day of
Judgment until
he is questioned about his life, how he spent it…” [at-Tirmidhee]
It
is therefore necessary that we make good use of our time and
health and perform
those acts, which will benefit us in the
Hereafter. Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu
alaihi wa-sallam) has
warned us against spending time and health foolishly, he
(sallallahu
alaihi wa-sallam) said: “There are two blessings that many people
lose,
health and free time.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee] and: “Lose
no time to do good work
before you are caught up by one of the
seven calamities…A starvation which may
ruin your wisdom, or a
prosperity which may mislead you, or an ailment which may
damage
your health, or an old age which may harm your senses, or a sudden
death
or the appearance of Dajjal. All these are bad events which
may be awaited; or the
Doomsday, but this Day is indeed very hard
and bitter.” [At-Tirmidhee (2408)]
The Only Solution: Turn Off the Television
The
only solution to escape the enormous dangers of television is to
completely
abandon it. Islam not only forbids violating the laws
of Allah, but also condemns all
means that may lead to it. For
example, Allah says about zina (fornication or
adultery): “And
come not near to zina. Verily, it is Fahishah (immoral sin) and
an
evil way.” [Soorah al-Isra (17): 32] Scholars say in the
explanation of this verse, do
not even tread the paths or acquire
the means, which may lead to the evil act of
committing zina or
any other sin. Thus, television, which is the stepping-stone
towards
zina and a number of other evils, should be thrown out of the
Muslim
houses, or at least the amount of time spent in viewing the
television should be
limited.
Shaikh
Ibn Baaz (rahimahullah) said in al-Fatawa (3/227): “With regard
to
television, it is a dangerous device and its harmful effects
are very great, like those
of the cinema, or even worse. We know
from the research that has been written
about it and from the
words of experts in Arab countries and elsewhere enough to
indicate
that it is dangerous and very harmful to Islamic beliefs (Aqeedah),
morals
and the state of society. This is because it includes the
presentation of bad morals,
tempting scenes, immoral pictures,
semi-nakedness, destructive speech, and Kufr.
It encourages
imitation of their conduct and ways of dressing, respect for
their
leaders, neglect of Islamic conduct and ways of dressing,
and looking down on the
scholars and heroes of Islam. It damages
their image by portraying them in an offputting
manner that makes
people despise them and ignore them. It shows people
how to cheat,
steal, and hatch plots, and commit acts of violence against
others.
Without doubt, anything that produces so many bad results
should be stopped and
shunned, and we have to close all the doors
that could lead to it…”
Alternatives for Television
When
the television is turned off, you will find plenty of time for other
activities.
Develop the habit to properly manage your time, and
engage in beneficial activities.
Always remember the Hadeeth of
Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam),
“Lose no time
to do good work before you are caught up by one of the
seven
calamities…A starvation which may ruin your wisdom, or a
prosperity which may
mislead you, or an ailment which may damage
your health, or an old age which
may harm your senses, or a sudden
death or the appearance of Dajjal. All these are
bad events which
may be awaited; or the Doomsday, but this Day is indeed very
hard
and bitter.” [At-Tirmidhee (2408)]
On
the following page is a list of creative activities, which will
Insha’Allah, help you
and your family make beneficial use of the
time that you save by not watching the
television:
Alternatives for Television
(a)
Outdoor Activities: Encourage outdoor activities
like, swimming, horse riding,
archery, etc. Allah’s Messenger
(sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) always encouraged
outdoor
activities, it is reported in Saheeh al-Bukharee (4/120) that
Allah’s
Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) arranged for
horse race, also once he
(sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) passed by
some people from the tribe of Aslam
practicing archery and said,
“O children of Ishmael! Throw (arrows), for your father
was an
archer. I am on the side of Bani so-and-so,” meaning one of the two
teams.
The other team stopped throwing arrows, whereupon the
Prophet said, “What has
happened to them?” They replied, “How
shall we throw while you are with Bani soand-
so?” He said,
“Throw for I am with all of you.” [Bukharee]
(b)
Family time: Islam encourages maintaining close family ties.
The Messenger of
Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said:
“Whoever severs the bond of kinship will not
enter Paradise.”
[Saheeh al-Bukharee] Spend ample of time with your
family,
communicate and know each other’s needs, and help them
out. This is the best way
to develop meaningful relationship with
your spouse and children. Aa’ishah (radhi
allahu anha) narrates
that it was the practice of Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu
alaihi
wa-sallam) that after finishing the Asr prayer, he
(sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) would
visit his wives and stay with
one of them at that time. [Saheeh al-Bukharee] This is
also the
best time to teach your children discipline, respect and Islamic
etiquettes.
You can also read to them stories of the Prophets,
give them short Du’aa
(supplication) to memorize, recite
Qur’aan, etc.
(c) Community Living: Brotherhood
and mutual consent among the Muslims is the
basis of a strong and
powerful Islamic society. Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu
alaihi
wa-sallam) first established brotherhood and love among the
believer even before
he initiated the Muslim society in al-Medina,
Abdullah Ibn Salaam (radhi allahu
anhu) said: “When the Prophet
(sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) arrived in Medina…The
first thing
he (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said was, ‘Extend peace greetings
among
yourselves, provide food to the needy, maintain upright
relations, observe prayer at
night while people are asleep, then
you will peacefully enter the Gardens
(Paradise).” [Tirmidhee,
Mishkat (1/168)]
So,
part of our community living is to strengthen the bond of brotherhood
with
other Muslims. Allah’s Messenger(sallallahu alaihi
wa-sallam) said:
“Believers in mutual love, are like the
human
body where, when the eye is in agony, the entire body feels
pain, when the head
aches, all the body will suffer.” [Saheeh
Muslim]
There
are a number of ways to build mutual relationship, like, knowing the
needs of
other Muslims and helping them out. Allah’s Messenger
(sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam)
said: “A Muslim is the brother of
a Muslim; he neither oppresses him not does he
fail him. Whosoever
removes a worldly grief from a believer, Allah will remove from
him
one grief of the Day of Judgment. Whosoever shields a Muslim, Allah
will shield
him on the Day of Resurrection.” [Saheeh
al-Bukharee]
and,
“Allah helps His slaves as long as he helps his brother.” [Saheeh
Muslim]
Also, visit the sick people, share their pain, encourage
patience, give them hope in
Allah’s Mercy, etc. all these acts
create closer relationship and are from Sunnah of
Allah’s
Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam), he (sallallahu alaihi
wa-sallam) said:
“Feed the hungry, visit thesick and free the
captives.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee]
(d)
Other Activities:
1) Enroll in Classes of interests, like,
gardening, sewing, cooking, computers,
swimming, etc.
2) Read
Islamic books in particular and also other informative books.
3)
Listen to tapes, lectures by Islamic scholars.
4) Perform acts of
worship, like Dhikr, voluntary prayers, reading Qur’aan, etc.