Viewing Islamic CD's that have background music Fatwa No: 88388
- Fatwa Date:2-8-2004
There are many Islamic CD is available. One of them is of the famous movie-The Message-.Can Muslims watch it? There are also excellent Islamic documentaries of very high standard by Harun Yahya. They can be downloaded from www.harunyahya.com. The problem with this CD is there is background music. We can learn a lot about Islam from these CDs both Muslims and especially non-Muslims. Just because there is music will these informative CDs become Haram. Thank you.
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 is His slave and Messenger.
We cannot give a ruling regarding this famous film entitled "The Message", or other films as we do not know their content.
In general, films contain some prohibitions, like music, etc. but if these films are free from these prohibitions, then it is permissible to play them, especially if they achieve religious benefits.
Rather, the disadvantage of the existence of music could be borne in order to achieve a preponderant greater benefit from such films. It is determined in the principles of the Sharee'ah that a small disadvantage could be borne if there is a greater benefit.
However, we draw your attention to the following matters:
1- It is not permissible to play the role of the Prophet or one of the greatest Companions like the 4 Caliphs and their like.
2- It is an obligation to make sure that these films are free from matters that contradict the principles and foundations of Islam, especially in relation to creed. So if the film contains such things, it is not permissible to see it, or play it for viewers to watch.
Allaah Knows best.