Knowledge

Are watching movie permitted in Islam?

Question:

Is watching movies considered haram in Islam? If not, why is chess haram and not movies or watching TV?

Assalamu Alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

Thank you for your question.

Generally speaking, wasting time is frowned upon. That doesn’t mean that we don’t enjoy leisure as that is part of the Sunnah and the way of our righteous predecessors.

Abu Darda (RA) says: “I do things which are neither prescribed nor forbidden, and that strengthens me in my worship.”

What he means by that is that leisure is healthy so long as it is for a short while and doesn’t include that which is prohibited.

So when it comes to watching movies, it is usually a waste of time and one should not indulge in them. However, it is fine to watch every once in a while provided it is wholesome and without anything objectionable from an Islamic standpoint. For example, one should read online before watching a movie whether or not it has scenes of a sexual nature. This is very easy to find nowadays and there are even programs to block lewdness from movies. But again, even watching clean material should be limited as much as possible.

As for chess, if accompanied by gambling than its prohibition is unanimous. If it is played without gambling then there is a difference of opinion in regards to its prohibition. I would recommend one to avoid it even without gambling as that is safer for one’s faith.

And Allah knows best.

Answered by Shaykh Omar Suleiman
Hadith of the Day Imam
Director – Islamic Learning Foundation

Since You’re Here… we have a small favour to ask.

In these extraordinary times, millions rely on HOTD for daily uplifting & inspiring content. Established since 2009 and with your kind support we’ve seen readers elevate their Imaan & strive for better on a daily basis. We’re committed to keeping our content freely available and open for all readers. Every contribution, however big or small, makes a difference and help us spread knowledge to millions daily

HOTD is something special, it’s a place where people can come to be inspired, to renew their faith, to learn and share knowledge, to fall in love with our faith and also our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family).

All content on HOTD is free. We believe what we do in this life builds for the next one and we work tirelessly with the aim to please Allah and inspire the global Muslim community as

well as providing information and inspiration for anyone interested in Islam. We simply cannot do this without your support and your support helps us continue our services.

If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. You can support HOTD and help sustain our future. Support Hadith of the Day and make a one-off donation or give regularly from as little as £10 a month Jazak’Allah Khayr – whatever you donate will come back to benefit you Insha’Allah as whatever is spent in the way of Allah is an investment in the future and the next life. Thank you.

Related Articles

Check Also
Close
Back to top button