‘Ulama’ Appearing On TV?

We have reproduced a bitter Fatwa of Haq regarding modern so-called ‘Ulama’ appearing on TV – Dajjal’s eye. In the past, we had been sent the information of two ‘Moulanas’ sitting side-by-side in a studio with a Muslim lady with NO Hijaab between them.

QUESTION: In light of recent developments in our country what is the view of the senior ‘Ulama and Muftiyan concerning the appearance of ‘Ulama on TV – in  particular “Islamic” TV Channels or YouTube?

ANSWER: The television is one of the main tools of Shaitaan in spreading obscenity, immodesty and shamelessness. Furthermore, producing pictures of animate objects as well as viewing them have been severely condemned in the Ahaadith of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). In order for one to propagate Islam via the television, one is required to appear on the television. This demands that one allow his photo to be taken and to be videoed whereas this has been prohibited by Allah Ta’aala and his Rasul (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). All the four madhabs are unanimous upon the fact that picture making of animate objects is forbidden in Islam. Islam is not in need of adopting haraam means to spread its message. Hence, it is totally impermissible for anyone to propagate Islam via the television or YouTube.

In one Hadith Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) mentioned:

إن أشد الناس عذابا عند الله يوم القيامة المصورون — صحيح البخاري 2/880 ، صحيح لمسلم 2/201

Those involved in picture-making will be subjected to the worst forms of punishment on the day of Qiyaamat. (Bukhari 2/880, Muslim 2/201)

For a detail explanation on this topic, refer to our kitaab “Photography and Modern Challenges.”

And Allah Ta’ala knows best.

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)