How Should I Get Rid Of My Film Collection: Trash It Or Sell It? 

In the Name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,

It is worth remembering the following principle (qa’ida fiqhiyya):

“That which is impermissible to take is impermissible to give.” (See: Majallat al-Ahkam al-Adliyya, item 34)

One of the commentators of the Majalla, Allama Ali Heydar (Allah have mercy on him) states:

“Meaning, to give something unlawful (m: as a gift or by selling it) and to take something that is unlawful, both are equal in prohibition (m: and sin).” (1/43)

Based on the above, it will not be permitted for one to acquire, sell, or give video tapes or DVDs consisting of unlawful recordings such as nudity, music, obscenity, violence and other unlawful and immoral activities, as is the case generally with the various movie productions. Trading in them would be unlawful, with the wages being considered filthy.

Thus, you should avoid selling the various Hollywood film collections you have in your possession, even to non-Muslims. What you can do is erase the recordings from the tapes and DVDs, and then sell the empty tape or DVD. In this way, you will not lose out totally on the money you invested in purchasing these tapes, and the money would be halal.

However, if you are unwilling or unable to do this, you have no choice but to do away with the various tapes you have in your possession. If you have already sold some of the tapes, you will need to dispose off the money acquired by giving it to the poor and needy, without the intention of gaining reward.

And Allah knows best

Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari
Darul Iftaa, Leicester, UK