The Influence of Television
The Influence of Television by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) One of the many Sunnahs of the Ambiya (‘alayhimus salam) is that of Haya – shame and modesty: a quality which is sorely missing in the lives of the majority of Muslims today and which should otherwise be an outstanding characteristic and feature of all Muslims, whether married or unmarried. Television is such an evil that if our society only understood its reality, they would find no excuse to watch. Its spiritual harm is that it takes away the Haya and shame of our men, women and children. Most television programmes contain nothing but immodesty and indecency, which invites nothing but immodesty and indecency into our homes, lives and the lives of our children. However, this truth and reality seem to pass over the understanding of even those Muslims who have some link with Deen. Many are regular with Salah; they are seen in the Musjid and wear the garb of the pious, yet they will be the ones to present flimsy and feeble excuses to view television programmes. Let us consider this situation of sin from the following view – which, Alhamdulillah, has been a means of many getting rid of the television. If a person has to knock on your door and tell you: ‘I would like to use your lounge to commit adultery.’ Or a group of friends have to request you: ‘We would like to use your home to gamble and enjoy our liquor.’ Or a group of youngsters have to tell you: ‘We have chosen your home as a venue for our partying, dancing, drug-taking and fornicating.’ Or a Christian family has to request you: ‘We would like to use your home as a venue for our church ceremony: The marriage of our daughter as well as the baptism of our grandchild. We have already obtained the consent of one of our priests.’ Or some idol-worshippers have to suggest: ‘We would like to carry out some of our religious rites in your home. We would like to bring our idols also. You are more than welcome to observe or participate in our rites.’ On hearing such requests, many Muslims will get very angry; will express disgust – if not swear and curse such suggestions. However, these very same Muslims who will even resort to swearing and cursing such proposals invite into their homes all of the above by the switch of the television, by hiring English and Hindi films and DVDs, and watching porn and other movies on the Internet. There is so much adultery, partying, and other filth that we seem to welcome into our homes – least realizing the consequences. To give you one example and this is but the tip of the iceberg – and it is said with the intention of removing the blindfold that most parents wear: A father of four children mentioned to me that he had gotten rid of his television, and he thereafter explained why. He said that he heard strange noises from his children’s room late one night. On opening the door of their room, he found their television switched on. [This is our concept of modesty: parents must have their own television to view all kinds of filthy programmes in their privacy, and children must have their own television to view all kinds of indecency in their privacy (Na-‘uzu Billah)]. The father mentioned that there were dirty and obscene scenes of naked people on the television screen. He mentioned that it was filthy and that it shocked him, but what had him even more shaken was that his children were all undressed, engaging in the same kind of indecent acts. They were imitating the pornography they were viewing. He said himself that until then, he had not considered the harm of television. It took this kind of incident to wake him up. This is just one example of so many. Do we wish to face something similar? Do we even care to know what our sons and daughters are doing in the secrecy of their rooms? The fact that many demand that no one ‘invade’ their space and privacy to the extent of having ‘No Entry’ signs on their doors should have parents a little more than worried, especially if they are viewing television and are surfing the net or have free access with cell phones. Many have written that after watching certain films or programmes, the desire came strongly into their hearts to take drugs, drink liquor, murder their parents, indulge in homosexuality, engage in adulterous relationships, commit suicide, rape, and so much else – and many of them do so. Moreover, with sins like television and lustful glancing, Allah Ta’ala removes the love between husband and wife, and even one’s children become disobedient. Many husbands entertain thoughts of and fantasize about other women while with their wives. And they will when they watch different actresses and television presenters. Many wives are guilty of the same infidelity, having seen or socialized with Ghair-Maharim. Many women are so infatuated and obsessed with some soccer player or cricket player that they become dissatisfied with their husbands and spend their time fantasizing. Had the person not viewed all those Ghair-Maharim on the television and computer screen and lowered his gaze in real-life situations, he would not have desired that which he cannot have, and there would not have been dissatisfaction with his (or her) spouse. Moreover, we complain: There is no Barakah in our homes. There is no Barakah in our wealth. There is no Barakah in our time. Our children are rebellious. The husband is having an extra-marital relationship. The daughter has accepted Christianity. The son is on drugs, and the complaints do not end. Then who is to blame except the one who brought all of this Haram into the home by purchasing the television and exposing the family
The Prohibition of Photography
The Prohibition of Photography by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah alayh) One of the greatest calamities of our times is the abuse of the camera. Nowadays, with the availability of cell phones, digital cameras, camcorders, etc., everyone seems to own a tool which has created an upheaval in mischief. How many have had their names dragged through the mud or have been blackmailed, slandered or left humiliated and disgraced due to photographs taken and then circulated? Photography is an evil which has been entirely misjudged and underestimated. Recently, a brother related a dream to me, requesting an interpretation. I interpreted his dream: ‘It seems as if movies are being viewed in the Masjid.’ Within a matter of days, the interpretation was made apparent. We had a visiting ‘Aalim give a talk in our Masjid. I was sitting on a chair near the front when I observed three young boys very absorbed with their cell phones. I requested a friend to go to the back of the Masjid and see what they were up to. He observed that they were viewing some film with dirty, indecent pictures —إنا لله وإنا إليه راجعون. We give our children technology at the expense of haya (modesty), Deen and Iman. One is to have no shame and commit sins in the presence of Allah Ta’ala, but increasing in shamelessness is when one is brazen enough to commit sins in the presence of Allah Ta’ala whilst in the Masjid, the House of Allah Ta’ala. The same shamelessness is found en-masse in the Masjid of all Masajid, Masjidul Haram in Makkah Sharif. The objective of most visiting these days is to take photos and videos instead of engaging in Ibadah. There are complaints – and it is even our experience – of flashes and camera clicks, which can be seen or heard whilst Salah is in progress or during Tawaf. There is a very dire need to explain that this is a grave and serious crime in the sight of Allah Ta’ala. What needs to be understood is that photography of anything animate is a clear prohibition. It is Haram. It has been narrated from Aaisha (radiyallahu ‘anha) that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) forbade pictures in the house, and he forbade making them.[1] Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Verily, of the most grievously tormented people on the Day of Resurrection are picture-makers.”[2] There are, in fact, many other Ahadith which clearly prove this prohibition. Why did Allah Ta’ala prohibit photography? One reason is quite clear; that it was the origin of Shirk (polytheism): Going down the passage of history, we find that mankind was introduced to idol worship due to Shaytan’s efforts to lead humanity astray. Due to his whispering encouragement, people began to draw and sketch their pious predecessors, thinking that their faces and images would be a source of inspiration and an incentive to also follow in their footsteps of piety. However, it was the means by which many began to worship those pictures and thereafter carved such idols; and idol worship came into vogue. Whilst this would have been more than sufficient for the Believer, it is no longer considered a worthy reason by Muslims who want to engage in the sin. Many say that there is no way that they would worship a photograph or even a sketch, let alone an idol. My Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (damat barakatuhu), explains that one reason behind the prohibition is that Allah Ta’ala may protect the respect and dignity of His servants. Many a time, a person who was engaged in various evils is granted Hidayah (guidance). Sometimes, this Hidayah is such that he attains a high stage of Wilayah. The person becomes a great Wali (friend) of Allah Ta’ala and even a Shaykh, with thousands of people attending his gatherings. Now at such a time, if someone were to dig up pictures of his past, what embarrassment would he have to endure? From Allah Ta’ala’s side, there is forgiveness of sins on sincere taubah, to the extent that all evidence is ‘deleted’ and insha Allah, the person will not have to render an account for those sins. However, if photographs were taken, this is evidence that the person has produced against himself, which cannot always be destroyed – especially if it is in the hands of others who wish to bring disgrace to the person. My Shaykh mentioned the above reason during an election in Pakistan, where a woman was a candidate. She was blackmailed with photographs of herself in a compromising situation so that she withdraws. Further, we find that the porn industry and filthy films are based on pictures. Islam nips the problem in the bud by prohibiting photography. If everyone practised this teaching, we would not have pornography, woman abuse and exploitation, child pornography, and the evil consequences of rape, insanity, suicide, incest, etc. – much of which has shattered and devastated the marriages and homes of many Muslims. Now thinking over all these harms, we should appreciate the prohibition all the more and show that appreciation by abstaining. There is nothing but great wisdom and benefit in the prohibitions of Allah Ta’ala for His servants. [1] Sahih Al-Bukhari [2] Sahih Al-Bukhari
Recognising Truth and Falsehood
Recognising Truth and Falsehood by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was the teacher of Haq, and through him, we received our Iman and Islam. From him, we learnt how to differentiate between Haq and Batil (Truth and Falsehood). We also learn how to preserve, nourish and strengthen our Imaan, love Allah Ta’ala and establish a beautiful friendship with him, such that we return to and meet Him in a condition that He is pleased to meet us, and we are happy to meet Him. Amongst thousands of beautiful Masnun Duas, the following Dua has also been taught by our Beloved Rasul (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), whereby we ask Allah Ta’ala to make apparent to us, what is Haq and Baatil, and grant us the Taufeeq and ability to follow what is Haq and stay away and refrain from whatever is Batil. The Dua is as follows: O Allah! Enable us to see the Truth as Truth and give us the ability to follow it. And show us the falsehood as false and give us the ability to refrain from it. There was no question of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) considering Haq as Baatil or Baatil as Haq. Everything said and done by Rasulullah (sallallahu’ alayhi wasallam) was inspiration from Allah Ta’ala: “And he does not speak out of (his own) desire. It is only a revelation sent down to him)” [Surah An-Najm 53:3-4] This Dua was made as a lesson for the Ummah. It was to teach the Ummah –especially people like us, living in these times of great Fitnah, where for many, Baatil is no longer regarded as Baatil and Haq is no longer regarded as Haq. Looking at these times, we see people from all walks of life research Islam and come to conclusions that conflict with what Islam truly is. We see Muslims who speak about the need for Haraam to be Halaal, such as the giving and taking of interest. We see Muslims, influenced by the different “isms”, misinterpret Islam, and clamour for changes in Shariah or call for a modern approach, living in modern times —Na ‘uzu billahi min zalik. There is such an onslaught of Batil, and so many are caught up in that assault, in that ambush. Placed in this present day and age, living in these times, we now truly appreciate this Dua. We see that in whatever Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) taught us, cautioned us about, or informed us of — every statement of that is true to the letter. We learn that knowing Haq is not sufficient because many know Haq but do not practice it. Who does not know that pornography is Haraam? Who does not know that adultery is Haraam? That to gamble, take or give interest, miss Salaah, speak lies, commit fraud, etc., is Haraam? Generally, Muslims are acquainted with Halaal and Haraam. However, despite knowing, many of us do not practice. No Salaah, Zakaah, Fasting and other Deeni obligations are being fulfilled. Accordingly, the Dua continues, asking for the Taufiq of Ittiba – the ability to practise on it; because Amal (practice) is necessary. After that, the Dua is: And show us the falsehood as false and give us the ability to refrain from it. We are asking Allah Ta’ala that He make known to us, apparent to us, clear to us, whatever is Haraam, sinful, detested and disliked by Him. Often, a person sees the Haq as Baatil and vice versa. So Dua is made so that we know what Haq is and what Baatil is, without any confusion and uncertainty, that we can easily differentiate between the two. Like a tsunami, sin and falsehood are sweeping through the Muslim Ummah. All around us, we find that Batil is widespread. It has become the norm; it is in vogue, and the majority accepts it and engages in it. It is not even considered Haraam. Take the example of photography – the good and the bad, the ignorant and even the even learned ones are caught up in this vice. No one speaks out against it; if a person does, he is labelled as orthodox and outdated. The same with television —If someone has to advise against viewing television, not only will people argue, they will present the “Fazaa’il” (virtues) of television – despite 80% of those programmes being immoral and Haraam. Nafs and Shaytan blind the person to the great harms of Haraam, and the person sees only benefit. The sad conditions and plight of the Ummah are gauged when we see the extent of Baatil in our personal lives, and we see how the culture and customs of the Kuffaar have become dominant and have replaced the practical implementation of Islam —and everyone is quite content and comfortable living with that. When the Sahaba (rahiyallahu ‘anhum) accepted Islam, despite most of them coming out of Kufr and Shirk, there was no sign of Kufr in their lives after that. We were born and brought up in Islam. We have Islam, but the culture of the Kuffaar is found in all dimensions of our lives —our homes, businesses, Nikahs and Walimas, and our dressing. Sometimes there is no trace of Islam. Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’oon. In this Dua, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used the word “warzuqna”. My respected Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakim Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (rahmatullah’ alayh) beautifully explained that just as we search for our Rizq, we look forward to it, we enjoy it —so too, Haq should become like our Rizq. Like how we seek sustenance, in the same way, we should seek good deeds —with eagerness and enthusiasm. From the early hours of the morning, millions of people are on the move, travelling by car, bus, train, and plane – active in the effort of sustenance, and there seems to be no satisfaction when it comes
Photography and Picture-Making
Nowadays, we find that photography and videoing have become accepted in all circles, yet Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Those who are involved in picture-making will be subjected to the worst forms of punishment on the day of Qiyamah”.[1] In another Hadith, Sayyiduna Abdullah Ibn Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Those who are involved in picture making will be severely punished on the Day of Qiyamah, and Allah Ta’ala will say to them: “Give life to what you have created!”.[2] We also know the fatawa of our respected Imams of Fiqh, and the majority of the past, and present scholars, which prohibit picture making of anything animate. Photography carries within it so much evil, which erupts into so many more sins. Just like how a volcano erupts and spews out rocks, gases, ash, and lava, which causes great harm and destruction, photography has led to an eruption of Fitan, which spews out immodesty, obscenity, and a host of other evils. There is no doubt that photography plays a key role in the destruction of man’s spirituality, modesty, and morality. I received numerous emails and letters, and many people – young and old – are caught up in pornography and other sins, stemming from photography. I have mentioned previously that the porn and filthy film industry is all based on pictures. This gives rise to rape, incest, child porn, and other vices. Islam cuts at the root of the evil by prohibiting picture-making and photography. Whatever we see today of various Fitan, is due to the Shar’i prohibitions being flouted and disregarded. Our Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had said that despite the deep love that the Sahaba (Radhiyallahu ’anhum) had for Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), not one of them drew any image of Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). From amongst the Sahaba (Radhiyallahu ’anhum), some could have sketched images of Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) when he was at Badr, when he was at Uhud in his armour, when digging the trench at Khandaq, when Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) was entering Makkatul Mukarramah at the time of its conquest, when Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) was on the plains of Arafah —hands raised, imploring and begging of Allah Ta’ala, so many pictures could have been drawn, to “capture the moment”, to keep those “memories alive” and so that we, the latter of the Ummah, may also see a picture or pictures of Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), but not one Sahabi (radhiyallahu ‘Anhum) drew such pictures. Since picture-making in any form, is prohibited, the Sahabah (radiyallahu ‘anhum) did not compromise on their obedience to Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). Their condition was: “We hear, and we obey.” This is what we must learn to nurture and imbibe within ourselves, that when we hear the command of Allah Ta’ala; or the command of Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), we should willingly submit and obey. We are told to follow the Sahaba (Radhiyallahu ’anhum) for guidance. Rasulullah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “My companions are like the stars; whichever of them you follow, you will be rightly guided.”[3] The Sahaba (radhiyallahu anhum) set a precedent and a beautiful example for us. We need to follow in their noble footsteps. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the concern and grant us obedience to Him and His Rasul (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam), and may he grant us Istiqaamah on Siraatul Mustaqeem, Aameen. Also read “THE PROHIBITION OF PHOTOGRAPHY“ by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (rahmatullah ‘alayh) 1. Sahih Al-Bukhari 2. Sahih Muslim 3. Jami’u Bayanil ‘ilmi wa fadhlihi