Question : A question was asked regarding [the validity of] buying and selling videos.

Fatwa in Brief: Our answer is that it is not permitted to sell or to buy videos, as they encourage corruption [in a Muslim’s heart].

Shaykh Ibn Baz, al-Da‘wa Journal, no. 1045

Response:

Like any other modern invention, videos [digital media] have the potential for good (khayr) and for evil (sharr). The legal responsibility lies [not only] with those who sell, [but also with those who] distribute, and use these videos.

Commentary:

Digital media like videos, CDs and DVDs are like any other recent invention: they have potential for good (khayr) and for evil (sharr). [In this sense] They are like pens: we can use them to write up a scientific lesson or to write down insults and gossip; or they are like drinking glasses: we can drink water and/or other permitted drinks in them, or we can choose a drink that is prohibited to us [alcohol, and so on]. These videos show a variety of materials. It would be difficult for many people to gain such knowledge [i.e. through the news and educational programs] without this technology. The programs that contain subjects that Muslims are permitted to watch [things that are, in themselves, halal] will not have a damaging effect on our ethics or commitment to religion. If they are not a cause for missing one’s religious duties, then, listening, watching, and trading in them is permitted. If these conditions are not met, then it is forbidden to use these media.

Digital media can be used for great good, either for recording and broadcasting purposes, [or simply for] watching and listening [as an ordinary viewer]. But, this is providing the viewer is able to control his/her use of them. If each person is capable of controlling his/her use of them, the one assuming responsibility in this matter is not the inventor or seller, but the viewer him/herself. Yet, if the individual viewer is not able to control his/her usage of these media, then, the broadcasters who design the programs should fear God, and chose what is beneficial to people, and avoid showing anything that is contrary to religion and good manners. And the public should make sure to draw the attention of the broadcasters to their responsibilities in these matters.

“Call unto the way of the Lord with wisdom and fair exhortation”. (Q. 16: 125)

And God knows best.[1]

Dr. Anas Abu Shadi