The Destructive Phase of
the Television
From As-Sunnah Bi-Monthly Newsletter
Compiled by Shawana A. Aziz
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. Researches 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;
single-parent 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
wa-sallam) 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 (what 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
forbid 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 off-putting 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 so-and-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 the sick 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.
