Representing the horrors of the Day of Judgment with images from world events

10-10-2015 | IslamWeb

Question:

Assalamalaikum Shaikh,I have a question on a video wich I have found on youtube. I think it is a beneficial reminder for the young people and thats why I want to translate it into german. But My question is wether its content and images are in accordance with the sharia.I would be verry grateful if you can take a look at the video. Its only about 5-6 Minutes long and its in english.This is the link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i95zGnLP4EsPlease, respected Shaikh, give me advise.Barakallahu Feekum Wassalam

Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) is His slave and Messenger.

Alerting the heedless and reminding others that they will stand before Allaah, the Lord of the Worlds, is a good thing, and everyone who is keen to invite people to good is appreciated, as this was the way of the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ). Allaah says (what means): {Say, "This is my way; I invite to Allaah with insight, I and those who follow me. And exalted is Allaah; and I am not of those who associate others with Him."} [Quran 12:108]

Also, diversity in the methods of calling to Allaah (Da‘wah) is desirable, as it is likely to have an impression on the hearts. There are numerous and various means available, especially in this day and age. However, one must take the Sharee'ah requirements into account concerning these means and so avoid anything that involves Islamic prohibitions. And the video you are asking about involves some religious violations, among them:

1.     There are some expressive images of some world events which are used to represent the horrors of the Hereafter. Some scholars prohibited this. Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen  may  Allaah  have  mercy  upon  him was asked about the ruling on drawing a garden which appears to represent Paradise, and drawing a fire to represent the Hellfire?

He replied: "This is not permissible as we do not actually know how Paradise looks and how the Hellfire looks. Allaah says (what means): {And no soul knows what has been hidden for them of comfort for eyes as reward for what they used to do.} [Quran 32:17] We also do not know how the Hellfire is, because it is distinguished as being sixty-nine parts greater than the fire of this world, among which are intense fires like the fire from gas and other fires which are even stronger. So, is anyone able to represent the Hellfire? No one is able. So, inform anyone who does this that it is forbidden. Unfortunately, people are now beginning to make the matters of the Hereafter as if they are tangible matters that can be seen."

Shaykh ‘Abdur-Rahmaan Al-Barraak and Shaykh ‘Abdur-Rahmaan As-Suhaym have said the same, and they mentioned that the purpose of saying the horrors of the Day of Resurrection is to make people fear them in their hearts, and if they were represented as worldly events, this fear may disappear.

2.     The video includes images of women who are not properly dressed. It is known that displaying such images is not permissible.

As we have previously pointed out, the means of Da’wah are various and numerous, so one can use any means that does not involve Islamic prohibitions. There are many signs in the world that draw man's attention to the Creator and His power, which the Quran frequently highlights, Allaah says (what means): {Say, "Observe what is in the heavens and earth." But of no avail will be signs or warners to a people who do not believe.} [Quran 10:101] Allaah also says (what means): {Do they not contemplate within themselves? Allaah has not created the heavens and the earth and what is between them except in truth and for a specified term. And indeed, many of the people, in [the matter of] the meeting with their Lord, are disbelievers.} [Quran 30:8]

Allaah Knows best.

www.islamweb.net