The Ruling on Serials and Films

The following message was received from a listener who used the initials (W. Y. A.) from the Arab Republic of Egypt. He says in his message:
Is listening to serials, films, and singing that are broadcast on Arab and foreign television and radio stations forbidden or permissible? Please inform us; may Allah reward you.
Answer: This requires a detailed explanation: If the serials and other things broadcast, such as video tapes or similar media, are sound and serve a purpose that benefits people in religion and worldly affairs—such as mentioning the history of one of the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) battles, or the history of an Islamic endeavor, or Islamic biographies, or mentioning something about useful factories for Muslims, or the like—then there is nothing wrong with it.
Likewise, a video that records something beneficial for Muslims from religious reports; the Qur'an... hadiths about useful inventions... beautiful and good Arabic poetry in religion, in courage, in doing good to the poor... in jihad in the path of Allah, and in other aspects of good—there is nothing wrong with this.
However, if the serials and the like... and things like these harm Muslims by showing obscene images and songs and the like, then it is not permissible; because it harms Muslims... it leads to the deviation of their morals and may corrupt their beliefs, so listening to that is not permissible. Yes.