The Ruling on Watching Satellite Channels in Ramadan
Machine translationRead the Arabic original
Question:
Also, you say that the competition among satellite channels and their ingenuity in presenting series and programs has perhaps led to the exposure of women and the presentation of ideas and customs that are not befitting the life of a Muslim woman. What is the ruling on watching and following these channels, and wasting these blessed nights of this great month in viewing them?
Answer:
Likewise, I advise men and women and all Muslims not to look at these wicked channels, neither in Ramadan nor at any other time, because of the evils and trials they bring, the corruption of morals, the casting of doubt on the religion, and other such dangers. They are a weapon deployed to destroy the morals of Muslims and to destroy their beliefs.
They are a weapon of fitnah (trial, discord or temptation). People, or the entire world, fear destructive missiles and atomic bombs, but I hold that these channels are more severe than atomic bombs and more severe than deadly missiles. This is because the utmost that atomic bombs and deadly missiles can do is destroy life, and life is not permanent; everyone dies, and everyone upon the earth is perishing. But these wicked channels destroy morals, destroy religion, and destroy 'aqidah (creed). What remains after that in this world and the Hereafter? It is obligatory for Muslims to fear these channels, stay away from them, and keep their women and children away from them in Ramadan and at other times. However, in Ramadan, in addition to the fact that watching them is forbidden and sinful, it is compounded by the violation of the sanctity of the great month and the lack of regard for it. It is also compounded by the fact that sin in Ramadan is more severe than sin outside of Ramadan. It is further compounded by the waste of time in what is harmful and not beneficial. Therefore, it is obligatory to avoid these channels, be cautious of them, and stay away from them. May Allah guide everyone to what He loves and is pleased with, and may Allah send blessings upon Muhammad.
Also, you say that the competition among satellite channels and their ingenuity in presenting series and programs has perhaps led to the exposure of women and the presentation of ideas and customs that are not befitting the life of a Muslim woman. What is the ruling on watching and following these channels, and wasting these blessed nights of this great month in viewing them?
Answer:
Likewise, I advise men and women and all Muslims not to look at these wicked channels, neither in Ramadan nor at any other time, because of the evils and trials they bring, the corruption of morals, the casting of doubt on the religion, and other such dangers. They are a weapon deployed to destroy the morals of Muslims and to destroy their beliefs.
They are a weapon of fitnah (trial, discord or temptation). People, or the entire world, fear destructive missiles and atomic bombs, but I hold that these channels are more severe than atomic bombs and more severe than deadly missiles. This is because the utmost that atomic bombs and deadly missiles can do is destroy life, and life is not permanent; everyone dies, and everyone upon the earth is perishing. But these wicked channels destroy morals, destroy religion, and destroy 'aqidah (creed). What remains after that in this world and the Hereafter? It is obligatory for Muslims to fear these channels, stay away from them, and keep their women and children away from them in Ramadan and at other times. However, in Ramadan, in addition to the fact that watching them is forbidden and sinful, it is compounded by the violation of the sanctity of the great month and the lack of regard for it. It is also compounded by the fact that sin in Ramadan is more severe than sin outside of Ramadan. It is further compounded by the waste of time in what is harmful and not beneficial. Therefore, it is obligatory to avoid these channels, be cautious of them, and stay away from them. May Allah guide everyone to what He loves and is pleased with, and may Allah send blessings upon Muhammad.
Source
قناة «العلامة الدكتور صالح الفوزان»، 20 من 27|أحكام المرأة في الصيام|نصائح للمرأة إذا نزلت للسوق في رمضان وفي غيره|صالح الفوزان — youtube.com (7:11)
The Arabic text is a machine transcription of the audio recording.