TELEVISION AND VIDEO

Since the publication of our article on television and video, the number of people who have approached us to request copies of this edition has continued to increase. This is understandable when we consider the harm and destruction these two very subtle tools (TV and video) of Iblis cause within the Ummah—more than a hungry wolf among a flock of sheep.

Unfortunately, we cannot satisfy all these requests, as we do not have any copies available. We therefore thought it would be useful to reproduce the article in its entirety in this current issue, hoping that those who truly wish to benefit from it can do so by obtaining a copy.

The sale of video cassettes (VCRs) is practised everywhere. It is a thriving business. Video clubs are flourishing, while, on the other hand, stores, pharmacies, and other businesses are struggling. This is one of the greatest scourges of our time, eating away at our society and eroding the convictions and values of our ancestors. The very backbone of our society has become ineffective despite its potential. Our sisters and young girls have lost the little Haya (modesty) that remained in them, which previously prevented them from engaging in inappropriate actions. When a community loses its Haya, who can prevent its degeneration and decline?

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said:

"When one is devoid of Haya, one does whatever one desires."

THE LOSS OF HAYA IN SOCIETY

Not long ago, our ancestors did not tolerate girls who did not cover their heads (i.e., were without hijab). Nowadays, we see our parents, grandparents, uncles, brothers, and others sitting with their daughters, granddaughters, nieces, and sisters in front of the television, all enjoying scenes of love and erotica without embarrassment. The actress sings a song in front of the entire, astonished family. Many of them are generally unaware of the vulgarity of the songs, which are often shockingly inappropriate.

INFLUENCE OF VIDEO IN SOCIETY

The behaviours and clothing habits of our women and children could not remain unaffected by the repeated assaults of television and video. The wearing of saris and mini-blouses that expose the most alluring parts of the body, the nuptial kiss of newlyweds under the approving gaze of thousands of guests, and the inappropriate practice of "dating" before marriage—these are nothing more than the so-called "benefits" of the infamous Dajjaal that is television and video.

With the economic boom and industrial development, we have also seen another type of boom and promotion: filial disobedience! Children nowadays show a lack of respect for their parents and elders. Respect for others depends on proper education, which requires significant effort to instil good manners and nurture good character. Instead of working toward this, however, parents give their children videos and televisions. Enchanted by their idols, children no longer have time to listen to the sound advice and warnings of their parents, whom they regard as old-fashioned. They don’t even have time to learn the Deen. It is the Deen that teaches respect for oneself and others, especially for one’s father and mother. They no longer attend the mosque because it is seen as an obstacle to their secular education. The little time they have is spent glued to the small screen. As a result, the only influence they have is that of their favourite stars. In our blindness, we prefer to wear "slut bags," torn jeans, and indecent clothing, to the point that we appear more undressed than dressed. In most cases, parents are to blame. We must understand this: if we violate the laws of Allah Ta'ala, will our children respect us? If we disobey our Creator, will our children obey us? Each of us must ask ourselves this question.

VIDEO/TV: A DEVIANT ELEMENT

Throughout history, the desire to follow one’s passions has led people to resist submitting to the law of Allah Ta'ala (the Shari'ah). As the human heart is more inclined toward satisfying personal desires and passions, people have always channelled their energy and sacrifice himself into discovering new means of entertainment, some more alluring than others!

In the time of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam), singers were brought in and tales from Persia were spread, all with the aim of distracting people from the message of Allah Ta'ala. Today, television and video have been designed to wage war against Islam. This Dajjaal has made a masterful entrance into almost every "Muslim" household. In the past, we had to leave our homes to go to the cinema. Now, we have "room service" 24 hours a day. It has become so easy: all you need to do is press the "remote control," and the demon is activated.

In the past, Muslims going to Makkah shed tears to purify themselves. Now, we shed crocodile tears and utter the traditional "Labbaik" hypocritically because our presence in this holy place is no longer solely for the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala. In the corner of our hearts, there is room for the VCR that we stocked up on long before we took the first steps for Hajj or tied our "Ihraam." Among other things, we watch two feature films in Hindustani every week—on Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons. The blessed night of Friday is thus wasted in committing Zina (adultery) of the eyes, ears, and thoughts.

TELEVISION/VIDEO LAHWAL HADITH

In the Qur'an-e-Karim, Surah 31 Verse 6, Allah Ta'ala says:

"There are some people who purchase futile discourse to deviate from Allah's path without knowledge and they mock it. There shall be a humiliating punishment for these people." (31:6).

Commenting on this verse, Hadhrat 'Abdullah Bin Mas'ud (Radiyallahu anhuma) and Hadhrat 'Abdullah Bin Abbaas (Radiyallahu anhuma) are of the opinion that "Lahwal Hadith" mentioned in the above verse refers to songs. In a Hadith narrated by Hadhrat Abu Umaamah (Radiyallahu anhu), Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said:"Do not sell or buy women singers or teach them (songs) because there is no good in that trade. Their income is unlawful (Haraam)." And it is precisely with regard to such cases that this verse was revealed (i.e., Verse 6, Surah 31)(Tirmizi).

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) highlighted an important point by stating that Lahwal Hadith is a general term that applies to all elements that divert or can divert one from the straight path. The term Lahwal Hadith, which refers to women singers as they prevent people from concentrating on and reflecting on the words of Allah Ta'ala, also applies today to television and video. These mediums monopolise the little time our Muslim brothers have for the practice of the Deen that they once adhered to. In fact, it is to be regretted that the effects of television and video are even more harmful than those of female singers. While female singers are not available at all hours, video cassettes are accessible to us 24/7. It is precisely because Lahwal Hadith is used in a general sense that Hadhrat Mujaahid (Rahimahullah) and Hadhrat Hassan Basri (Rahimahullah) are of the opinion that the verse also applies to listening to songs and playing musical instruments.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND SONGS

"Fool as many of them as you can with your voice." (17:64)

Hadhrat 'Abdullah Bin Abbaas (Radiyallahu anhuma) said that the "voice" referred to in this verse is the voice of shaitaan, which includes musical instruments and songs. Television and video not only broadcast the satanic voice but, worse still, include nearly all the means and stratagems that shaitaan uses to divert man. These include stimulating songs, provocative and wild dances, nudity, indecency, vulgarity, violence, erotic scenes, and the shameless exhibition and exploitation of women. Given the deviant nature of these mediums (the voice of Satan and his arsenal of poisonous weapons), the Ulama are unanimous in saying that the purchase, sale, rental, lending, and borrowing of songs and films are illicit (Haraam), as is the trade in musical instruments and any other object or device used against Islamic teachings.

Having a video device at home or engaging in the trade of these devices is equivalent to engaging in subversive activities on behalf of Satan. In these circumstances, how can a community expect progress when its soldiers and fighters, instead of defending and guarding their borders (their Imaan), allow the enemy (Satan) to quietly infiltrate the home of each fighter (Muslim) through video and television, sabotaging their Imaan?

VIDEO/TELEVISION AND SPIRITUAL LOSS

A person who fears Allah Ta'ala remains vigilant and concerned about his spiritual progress. He therefore uses his free time wisely, often dedicating his available time, particularly during holidays, to his spiritual advancement. On the other hand, there is a category of people who, drowned in heedlessness and ignorance, pay no attention to anything except deceptive entertainment and amusements.

These individuals fill their leisure time, especially during holidays, by sitting and indulging in Dajjaal (television/video). As a result, they incur a huge loss in terms of their spirituality. Let us reflect on this for a moment. Usually, in addition to other programs and feature films, we have two feature films in Hindustani every week, which amounts to 5 to 6 hours of viewing. A person who wants to devote himself to Tilaawat-ul-Qur'an can easily complete one chapter (sipara) in an hour, meaning 5 chapters (siparas) in 5 hours. In six weeks, this would result in completing a Khatm-ul-Qur'an, or 9 to 10 Khatm-ul-Qur'an in a year. What a tremendous loss! It is up to you to assess and consider the damage.

Tahaarat, Namaz, and Fasting (Roza) are disciplines whose rules must be mastered by every individual so that they can practice them according to the correct standards and principles, thereby deriving maximum benefit from them. Just as it is obligatory to perform Namaz and fast, it is equally obligatory to understand the basic rules and masaa'il (issues) that allow for the proper execution of these obligations. If a person familiarises himself daily with a mas'ala, including its nuances, he will have learned at least 300 masaa'il in a year.

Let us not forget that reading each letter of the Qur'an brings ten (10) sawaab (units of blessing). So, when we recite "Alhamdu lillaah", we acquire 100 sawaab. How many blessings do we lose by sitting in front of this Dajjaal? A good trader does not waste his time unnecessarily to the detriment of his business. So, how can an Aakhirah trader (i.e., a Muslim) waste his time to the detriment of his Aakhirah business?

We can all become good Aakhirah traders, hence good Muslims. All we need is a little goodwill and basic knowledge. The main thing is to follow the Shariah instead of our nafs (passions and desires). Let us therefore abandon our nafs and submit to the laws of the Shariah. May Allah Ta'ala grant us the Taufeeq (ability) to work in this direction.

THE GRAVITY OF VIDEO: A WARNING

Let us closely examine some Ahaadith regarding bad deeds, which apply directly or indirectly to television/video:

Songs and lahw (triviality that deviates from the path of Allah Ta'ala) cause hypocrisy to grow in the heart of man just as water makes grass grow. (Dailami)
2. Towards the end of time, a part of my Ummat will turn into monkeys and pigs. The Sahaabah (Radiyallahu anhum) asked: "O Messenger of Allah, even if they bear witness that you are the Messenger of Allah and that there is no deity but Allah?" Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) replied in the affirmative, despite the fact that they still perform Namaaz, fast, and make Hajj. The Sahaabah (Radiyallahu anhum) again asked: "What will they be guilty of, O Messenger of Allah?" Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) replied that they would mainly be people who possess musical instruments, dancing women, and ravines (alcoholic drinks); those who spend their nights in entertainment and drinking. These individuals would wake up in the morning with their faces transformed into monkeys and pigs. (Said Bin Mansur – 'Ummdat-ul-Qaari)
When my Ummat commits these 15 evil deeds, calamity will descend upon it:

i. The booty will remain within the restricted circle of heads of state;

ii. Amaanat (deposits) will be considered as booty;

iii. Zakaat will be considered a burden; iv. A man will bow to the command of his wife;

v. He will disobey his mother;

vi. He will be loyal to his friend; vii. He will be mean to his father;

viii. The tone will be raised in the mosques;

ix. The less competent will take charge of the affairs of the community;

x. A man will be honoured out of fear of the harm he may cause;

xi. The use of alcoholic beverages will be widespread;

xii. Silk clothes will be worn by men;

xiii. Singing women will be in vogue;

xiv. Musical instruments will be common;

xv. The last of that Ummat will curse the first.

At that time, they will have to expect a red wind, Khasf (swallowing of the earth), or Maskh (metamorphosis). (Tirmizi)

There will be a swallowing of the earth (Khasf), a metamorphosis (Maskh), and a rain of rocks (Qazaf) will fall on that Ummat. A Sahaabi asked: "O Messenger of Allah! When will this catastrophe be?" Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) replied: "When women singers, musical instruments, and alcoholic drinks have gained momentum and are consumed." (Tirmizi)

A person with a little intelligence, which Allah Ta'ala has granted him, knows how much this Hadith applies to us, particularly with regard to the abuse of television/video. These signs are evident; we only need to take a look around us to see them.

[English version of "‎Television et vidéo" – Al Haadi – Vol. 1 No. 9]