Question
What is the hanafi stance on watching audiovisual productions in which actors perform sahaba (as in the recent Umar series or in the older movie The Message)
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
Putting aside any difference of opinion on the matter of digital photography and videography, such movies sold in the name of religion prove to be detrimental to one’s spiritual self and faith.
Furthermore, such videos contain many elements that are contrary to our Islamic teachings. Even if we were to assume that such movies and tv shows are free of Haram content such as music, non-mahram men and women, which is seldom the case, then too the following issues arise.
- These actors portray the Sahabah whereas they are in no position to represent such esteemed champions of Islam.
- Due to the actor’s portrayal, one’s mind will always envision the actor whenever the Sahabi is mentioned.
- It is also likely that the director makes changes to the story simply to suit his own vision.
- These movies become an entertainment and are geared to provide an entertaining narrative at the expense of authenticity. This is not to say it would have been permissible had they remained true to history.
It is therefore not permissible to watch such movies and tv shows. If one truly desires to learn about the illustrious companions of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), there are a plethora of books available. One may resort to these books to learn more about out history. Alternatively, lectures from reliable Ulama are also available on the subject.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mufti Bilal Pandor
Checked and Approved by
Mufti Nabeel Valli
Darul Iftaa Mahmudiyyah
Lusaka, Zambia