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 free time. However, television
is not the correct substitute for the activities, which besides entertaining
also enhance skills and talents.
Researches performed on the impact of television
undoubtedly prove its ill effects upon its viewers! Moreover, most part
of the entertainment programs displayed on television transgress Islaamic
bounds…
The Messenger of Allaah 
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! Islaam does not allow any amusement, which make
people negligent of Allaah. Television does not only make one negligent
of Allaah'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. Islaam is in strong opposition
to such illusions, because illusions make man negligent of death and Hereafter.
The Prophet said: “Make
mention of the destroyer of desires (i.e. death) very often”
[(Hasan) at-Tirmidhee no: 2049, and Ibn Majah no: 4258].
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 dangers!!
Such ideas corrupt the basic beliefs of Islaam that Allaah Alone is the
Ruler and Savior of mankind and He alone can protect the people from all
harm.
So, television can gradually destroy our and subsequently ruin our Hereafter, because is the foundation of Islaam. It is necessary that the be free from all un-Islaamic influences, in order to escape the Hell-Fire. This requires that we avoid all chances and means that cause danger to our - 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
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.
Allaah 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 Allaah's orders
and they do what He orders” [Soorah at-Tahrim (66): 6] The Messenger
of Allaah 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] Aqeedah
Immoral behavior,
violence, crime, music, singing, use of tobacco, alcohol and cigarette
are some of the many un-Islaamic 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 - Allaah's
Messenger 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 wisdom behind the prohibition of music, like music sprouts hypocrisy,
prevents the heart from Allaah's remembrance, excites sinful desires, etc.
but the fact that Allaah's Messenger
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, Islaam has even prohibited the women to speak in soft voice with the strangers, Allaah 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.” “…come not near to . Verily, it is (immoral sin) and an evil way.” [Soorah al-Ahzab (33): 32]
Immodesty, nudity and free mixing of men and women
are the most apparent evil spread by the television. Islaam teaches that
modesty is a part of and prohibits the mixing of sexes. But television
puts great emphasis on
immorality and fornication (zina) regarding which
Allaah says in the Qur'aan, “…come not
near to . Verily, it is (immoral sin) and
an evil way.” [Soorah al-Isra (17): 32]
Islaam does not only consider the actual act of
fornication to be zina, but Allaah's Messenger
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 of the eyes, listening to them is of the ears, and the illicit desires aroused by them means of the heart. Allaah 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. Allaah's Messenger said:“… If you do not have , 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
Allaah 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!
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.
Allaaah 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 Allaah. And they make a mockery
of the laws of Allah. To them, there is a graceful punishment… Give them
the news of a painful punishment.” [Soorah Luqman (31): 6-7] Ibn
Mas'oud 
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 Allaah 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 Allaah 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.
Allaah's Messenger
said: “The servant of Allaah 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]
We should realize that time and health are two
great blessings of Allaah for which Allaah will account us on the Day of
Resurrection. The Messenger of Allaah
said: “The servant of Allaah 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. Allaah's
Messenger
has warned us against spending time and health foolishly, he
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)]
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 Islaamic 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 Islaamic conduct and ways of dressing, and
looking down on the scholars and heroes of Islaam. 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...”
,
“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 following is a list of creative activities, which will Insha'Allaah, help you and your family make beneficial use of the time that you save by not watching the television:
(a) Outdoor Activities: Encourage outdoor
activities like, swimming, horse riding, archery, etc. Allaah's Messenger
always encouraged outdoor activities, it is reported in Saheeh al-Bukharee
(4/120) that Allaah's Messenger
arranged for horse race, also once he 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 Bani
of 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: Islaam encourages maintaining
close family ties . The Messenger of Allaah
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 
narrates that it was the practice of Allaah's
Messenger that after finishing the Asr prayer,
he 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 Islaamic 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. Allaah's Messenger
first established brotherhood and love among the believer even before he
initiated the Muslim society in al-Medina, Abdullaah Ibn Salaam
said: “When the Prophet arrived
in Medina... The first thing he
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. Allaah's Messenger
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.” [Muslim] There are a number of ways to build
mutual relationship, like, knowing the needs of other Muslims and helping
them out. Allaah's Messenger
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,
Allaah will remove from him one grief of the Day of Judgment. Whosoever
shields a Muslim, Allaah will shield him on the Day of Resurrection.”
[Bukharee] and, "Allaah 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 Allaah's Mercy, etc. all these acts create
closer relationship and are from Sunnah of Allaah's Messenger ,
he said: “Feed the hungry, visit the sick and free the captives."
[Bukharee]
(d) Other Activities:
