Making use of Mass Media for the sake of spreading Da`wah
Question:
"You have called for making use of mass media for the sake of spreading Da`wah (calling to Islam) and guidance, permitting appearance in media, which include Taswir (photography). However, some Du`at (callers to Islam) still refrain from appearing in such photography-based media. What is your opinion regarding this matter?"
Answer:
"Undoubtedly, it is one of the greatest duties to employ mass media in calling to Al-Haqq (the Truth), spreading the rulings of Shari`ah (Islamic law), exposing Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship) and its means, and warning against everything which Allah has forbidden. In fact, this is one of the most important duties and one of the great blessings which Allah bestows on those who employ these means for the good and in making up for any deficiency in their Iman (Faith).
Definitely, some scholars refrain from appearing on television because of the Hadith Sahih (authentic Hadith), which stress the prohibition of Taswir and curse Musawwirs (those who make photographs of living beings).
On the other hand, some other scholars believe that there is no objection to appear on television so long as it is for the purpose of calling to Al-Haqq, spreading the rulings of Islam, and refuting the callers to falsehood. This belief is based on the Shari`ah-based principle stating that it is permissible to commit the lesser of two evils to ward off the greater evil; in the case where it is not possible to avoid both evils, as it is permissible to bring about the greater of two interests by sacrificing the least of them, if both of them cannot be brought about.
The same applies to the case of there being many evils and interests. If it is not possible to ward off all evils, rulers and scholars must exert themselves to ward off the greatest and most sinful evil. Likewise, they are required to try hard to bring about the greatest interest, if they are unable to bring about all interests. There are a lot of examples and evidences from the Qur'an and Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet); one of them is the following Ayah (Qur'anic verse):
{And insult not those whom they (disbelievers) worship besides Allâh, lest they insult Allâh wrongfully without knowledge.} [Suran Al-An’am 6:108]
Another evidence is the Sahih Hadith in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) said to `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her):
“If your people had not been recent converts to Islam, I would have destroyed Al-Ka`bah and rebuilt it on the original foundation laid by Ibrahim.” (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)[1]
Thus, it is to be known that the ruling on appearing on television for the sake of calling to Allah (Glorified be He) and spreading Al-Haqq differs according to the people's knowledge, deep insight, and their consideration of the consequences of this act. Whoever Allah has opened their heart to this matter and granted them good knowledge and they agree to appear on television for the sake of spreading Al-Haqq and conveying Allah's messages, there is no blame on them and they will be rewarded by Allah (Glorified be He). Whoever feels uncertain about this, we hope that they will be excused because the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: “Leave what causes you doubt and turn to what does not cause you doubt.”[2] He (peace be upon him) also said: “Piety is that which contents the soul and comforts the heart.”[3] There is no doubt that scholars appearing on television is one of the greatest means to spread Islam and refute the callers and followers of falsehood because most people watch television, whether they are males, females, Muslims, or disbelievers. Also, by seeing the picture of a person known for calling to Al-Haqq on television , the followers of Al-Haqq will feel assured and benefit from what they watch. Moreover, this is a means to resisting the followers of falsehood and bearing down on them. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) states:
{As for those who strive hard in Us (Our Cause), We will surely guide them to Our Paths (i.e. Allâh’s religion - Islâmic Monotheism). And verily, Allâh is with the Muhsinûn (good doers).} [Surah Al-‘Ankabut 29:69]
Allah (Glorified be He) also says:
{Invite (mankind, O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islâm) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation and the Qur’ân) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better.} [Surah An-Nahl 16:125]
He (Glorified be He) also states:
{And who is better in speech than he who [says: "My Lord is Allâh (believes in His Oneness)," and then stands firm (acts upon His Order), and] invites (men) to Allâh’s (Islâmic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: "I am one of the Muslims."} [Surah Fussilat 41:33]
The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated:
“One who guides to something good has a reward similar to that of its doer. The Prophet (may Allah's Peace and Blessings be upon him) also says: If anyone calls others to follow right guidance, their reward will be equivalent to those who follow them (in righteousness) without their reward being diminished in any respect, and if anyone invites others to follow error, the sin will be equivalent to that of the people who follow them (in sinfulness) without their sins being diminished in any respect.” (Both Hadith are related by Muslim in his Sahih Book of Hadith)[4]
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said to Amir Al-Mu’minin (Commander of the Believers) `Ali ibn Abu Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) when he sent him to call the Jews of Khaybar to Islam:
“Invite them to Islam and inform them of the rights which Allah has ordained upon them. By Allah! If a single person embraces Islam at your hands (i.e. through you), that will be better for you than (possessing) red camels.” (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)[5]
These Ayahs and Sahih Hadith are all applicable to calling to Allah (Glorified be He) via modern mass media and other means of communication, such as through lectures, compiling books, publishing treatises, calling to Allah through the phone, in addition to other means of conveying Al-Haqq that may be used by whomever Allah has granted sincere intention and useful knowledge and has guided to working in accordance to it. It is authentically reported from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) that he stated:
“The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what they have intended.” (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)[6]
The Prophet (may Allah's Peace and Blessings be upon him) also says:
“Verily, Allah does not look to your faces and your wealth but He looks to your heart and deeds.” (Related by Muslim in His Sahih Book of Hadith).
I ask Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) to guide Muslim scholars and rulers to the best that benefits the people and the country. Indeed, He alone is Able to do so.”
[1] Al-Bukhari, Sahih, Book on Hajj, no. 1583; Muslim, Sahih, Book on Hajj, no. 1333; Al-Nasa'y, Sunan, Book on Hajj rituals, no. 2900; and Malik, Al-Muwatta', Book on Hajj, no. 813.
[2] Al-Tirmidhy, Sunan, Book on Resurrection, heart-softening narrations, and piety, no. 2518; Al-Nasa'y, Sunan, Book on drinks, no. 5711; Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, vol. 1, p. 200; and Al-Darimy, Sunan, Book on transactions, no. 2532.
[3] Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, vol. 4, p. 228; and Al-Darimy, Sunan, Book on transactions, no. 2533.
[4] Muslim, Sahih, Book on Knowledge, no. 2674; Al-Tirmidhy, Sunan, Book on Knowledge, no. 2674; Abu Dawud, Sunan, Book on Sunnah, no. 4609; Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, vol. 2, p. 397; and Al-Darimy, Sunan, Introduction, no. 513.
[5] Al-Bukhari, Sahih, Book on merits and virtues, no. 3701; Muslim, Sahih, Book on merits of the Companions, no. 2406; and Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, vol. 5, p. 333.
[6] Al-Bukhari, Sahih, Book on revelation, no. 1; Muslim, Sahih, Book on rulership, no. 1907; Al-Tirmidhy, Sunan, Book on the virtues of Jihad, no. 1647; Al-Nasa'y, Sunan, Book on purification, no. 75; Abu Dawud, Sunan, Book on divorce, no. 2201; Ibn Majah, Sunan, Book on asceticism, no. 4227; and Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, vol. 1, p. 43.
[7] Muslim, Sahih, Book on righteousness, upholding ties of kinship, and good manners, no. 2564.
Shaykh 'Abdul-'Azeez ibn Baaz, may Allah have mercy upon him
Source: www.alifta.com - Fatwas of Ibn Baz> Volume 5> Refraining from appearing in the media
"You have called for making use of mass media for the sake of spreading Da`wah (calling to Islam) and guidance, permitting appearance in media, which include Taswir (photography). However, some Du`at (callers to Islam) still refrain from appearing in such photography-based media. What is your opinion regarding this matter?"
Answer:
"Undoubtedly, it is one of the greatest duties to employ mass media in calling to Al-Haqq (the Truth), spreading the rulings of Shari`ah (Islamic law), exposing Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship) and its means, and warning against everything which Allah has forbidden. In fact, this is one of the most important duties and one of the great blessings which Allah bestows on those who employ these means for the good and in making up for any deficiency in their Iman (Faith).
Definitely, some scholars refrain from appearing on television because of the Hadith Sahih (authentic Hadith), which stress the prohibition of Taswir and curse Musawwirs (those who make photographs of living beings).
On the other hand, some other scholars believe that there is no objection to appear on television so long as it is for the purpose of calling to Al-Haqq, spreading the rulings of Islam, and refuting the callers to falsehood. This belief is based on the Shari`ah-based principle stating that it is permissible to commit the lesser of two evils to ward off the greater evil; in the case where it is not possible to avoid both evils, as it is permissible to bring about the greater of two interests by sacrificing the least of them, if both of them cannot be brought about.
The same applies to the case of there being many evils and interests. If it is not possible to ward off all evils, rulers and scholars must exert themselves to ward off the greatest and most sinful evil. Likewise, they are required to try hard to bring about the greatest interest, if they are unable to bring about all interests. There are a lot of examples and evidences from the Qur'an and Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet); one of them is the following Ayah (Qur'anic verse):
{And insult not those whom they (disbelievers) worship besides Allâh, lest they insult Allâh wrongfully without knowledge.} [Suran Al-An’am 6:108]
Another evidence is the Sahih Hadith in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) said to `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her):
“If your people had not been recent converts to Islam, I would have destroyed Al-Ka`bah and rebuilt it on the original foundation laid by Ibrahim.” (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)[1]
Thus, it is to be known that the ruling on appearing on television for the sake of calling to Allah (Glorified be He) and spreading Al-Haqq differs according to the people's knowledge, deep insight, and their consideration of the consequences of this act. Whoever Allah has opened their heart to this matter and granted them good knowledge and they agree to appear on television for the sake of spreading Al-Haqq and conveying Allah's messages, there is no blame on them and they will be rewarded by Allah (Glorified be He). Whoever feels uncertain about this, we hope that they will be excused because the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: “Leave what causes you doubt and turn to what does not cause you doubt.”[2] He (peace be upon him) also said: “Piety is that which contents the soul and comforts the heart.”[3] There is no doubt that scholars appearing on television is one of the greatest means to spread Islam and refute the callers and followers of falsehood because most people watch television, whether they are males, females, Muslims, or disbelievers. Also, by seeing the picture of a person known for calling to Al-Haqq on television , the followers of Al-Haqq will feel assured and benefit from what they watch. Moreover, this is a means to resisting the followers of falsehood and bearing down on them. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) states:
{As for those who strive hard in Us (Our Cause), We will surely guide them to Our Paths (i.e. Allâh’s religion - Islâmic Monotheism). And verily, Allâh is with the Muhsinûn (good doers).} [Surah Al-‘Ankabut 29:69]
Allah (Glorified be He) also says:
{Invite (mankind, O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islâm) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation and the Qur’ân) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better.} [Surah An-Nahl 16:125]
He (Glorified be He) also states:
{And who is better in speech than he who [says: "My Lord is Allâh (believes in His Oneness)," and then stands firm (acts upon His Order), and] invites (men) to Allâh’s (Islâmic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: "I am one of the Muslims."} [Surah Fussilat 41:33]
The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated:
“One who guides to something good has a reward similar to that of its doer. The Prophet (may Allah's Peace and Blessings be upon him) also says: If anyone calls others to follow right guidance, their reward will be equivalent to those who follow them (in righteousness) without their reward being diminished in any respect, and if anyone invites others to follow error, the sin will be equivalent to that of the people who follow them (in sinfulness) without their sins being diminished in any respect.” (Both Hadith are related by Muslim in his Sahih Book of Hadith)[4]
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said to Amir Al-Mu’minin (Commander of the Believers) `Ali ibn Abu Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) when he sent him to call the Jews of Khaybar to Islam:
“Invite them to Islam and inform them of the rights which Allah has ordained upon them. By Allah! If a single person embraces Islam at your hands (i.e. through you), that will be better for you than (possessing) red camels.” (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)[5]
These Ayahs and Sahih Hadith are all applicable to calling to Allah (Glorified be He) via modern mass media and other means of communication, such as through lectures, compiling books, publishing treatises, calling to Allah through the phone, in addition to other means of conveying Al-Haqq that may be used by whomever Allah has granted sincere intention and useful knowledge and has guided to working in accordance to it. It is authentically reported from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) that he stated:
“The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what they have intended.” (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)[6]
The Prophet (may Allah's Peace and Blessings be upon him) also says:
“Verily, Allah does not look to your faces and your wealth but He looks to your heart and deeds.” (Related by Muslim in His Sahih Book of Hadith).
I ask Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) to guide Muslim scholars and rulers to the best that benefits the people and the country. Indeed, He alone is Able to do so.”
[1] Al-Bukhari, Sahih, Book on Hajj, no. 1583; Muslim, Sahih, Book on Hajj, no. 1333; Al-Nasa'y, Sunan, Book on Hajj rituals, no. 2900; and Malik, Al-Muwatta', Book on Hajj, no. 813.
[2] Al-Tirmidhy, Sunan, Book on Resurrection, heart-softening narrations, and piety, no. 2518; Al-Nasa'y, Sunan, Book on drinks, no. 5711; Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, vol. 1, p. 200; and Al-Darimy, Sunan, Book on transactions, no. 2532.
[3] Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, vol. 4, p. 228; and Al-Darimy, Sunan, Book on transactions, no. 2533.
[4] Muslim, Sahih, Book on Knowledge, no. 2674; Al-Tirmidhy, Sunan, Book on Knowledge, no. 2674; Abu Dawud, Sunan, Book on Sunnah, no. 4609; Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, vol. 2, p. 397; and Al-Darimy, Sunan, Introduction, no. 513.
[5] Al-Bukhari, Sahih, Book on merits and virtues, no. 3701; Muslim, Sahih, Book on merits of the Companions, no. 2406; and Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, vol. 5, p. 333.
[6] Al-Bukhari, Sahih, Book on revelation, no. 1; Muslim, Sahih, Book on rulership, no. 1907; Al-Tirmidhy, Sunan, Book on the virtues of Jihad, no. 1647; Al-Nasa'y, Sunan, Book on purification, no. 75; Abu Dawud, Sunan, Book on divorce, no. 2201; Ibn Majah, Sunan, Book on asceticism, no. 4227; and Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, vol. 1, p. 43.
[7] Muslim, Sahih, Book on righteousness, upholding ties of kinship, and good manners, no. 2564.
Shaykh 'Abdul-'Azeez ibn Baaz, may Allah have mercy upon him
Source: www.alifta.com - Fatwas of Ibn Baz> Volume 5> Refraining from appearing in the media