Today, access to the internet and immoral websites is easier than before, and this has led some individuals to visit these sites out of curiosity, only to later regret it. As a result, we have gathered the opinions of religious authorities on this matter for you.
According to the Religion and Spirituality Service of SaadNews, watching movies and series is one of the common pastimes in today’s world. However, with the spread of immoral and vulgar content, many questions have arisen regarding the religious rulings on such views. Religious authorities, based on Islamic and ethical principles, have offered different opinions on watching such films. This article will examine the religious ruling on watching immoral and vulgar films from the perspective of religious authorities, focusing on key points and principles in this matter.
Sexual instinct is recognized as one of the most powerful needs and instincts of humans. Sexual needs, like the need for food and water, should be fulfilled in a proper and lawful way. With sexual maturity, sexual needs emerge, and at this time, it is necessary to have laws to regulate this innate and instinctive need. Just as we must satisfy our hunger through lawful and healthy foods, the sexual instinct must also be satisfied in proper ways. Watching immoral and provocative images and films that arouse lust is considered forbidden (haram) according to all Islamic scholars and religious authorities. Can such films be watched for learning about marriage practices? What if watching such films does not have any negative effect on the individual? Is it permissible to watch films with images of men and women being partially or fully naked with a spouse? These are some of the questions regarding the religious rulings on watching vulgar and immoral films, and we will provide answers based on the rulings and fatwas of religious authorities.
A forbidden gaze is one that looks at the private parts of others, which is the desire of Satan. Eyes that throw the contaminated arrows of sight at non-mahrams (people one is not related to by blood or marriage) are considered a trap for Satan. Satan aims at the honor of others with the bow of one’s eyes. Therefore, the Qur’an emphasizes the importance of public modesty for both men and women, making it an essential and obligatory matter. In the human-building school of Islam, chastity is considered one of the highest human values, while sexual immorality and licentiousness are condemned. Islam first controls and moderates sexual and lustful matters through guidance, calling Muslims to modesty and chastity, and then removes the grounds for deviation with wise measures and principles. Islam commands its followers not to engage in indecency and asks them not to create opportunities for others to sin.
Questions and Answers on Religious Rulings Regarding Watching Immoral Films:
Question: What is the ruling on watching an image of an uncovered, non-mahram woman?
Ayatollah Khamenei: Watching an image of a non-mahram woman does not carry the same ruling as looking at the woman herself. If the gaze is not for pleasure and there is no fear of falling into sin, and the image does not belong to a Muslim woman known to the viewer, it is not problematic. However, it is obligatory to avoid looking at a non-mahram woman’s image broadcasted directly on television, but looking at it indirectly is permissible, provided there is no temptation or fear of sin.
Question: Is it permissible for a married person to watch provocative films?
Ayatollah Khamenei: If watching such films is intended to arouse lust or causes it, it is not permissible.
Question: Is it permissible for a husband and wife to watch sexual films at home?
Ayatollah Khamenei: It is not permissible to arouse lust with sexual video films.
Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi: It is not permissible, and it usually has undesirable effects on their future life together.
Question: Is it permissible to watch films depicting sexual relationships?
Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi: Yes, watching immoral and corrupt films is forbidden. This is a form of promoting vice, which is prohibited in the Qur’an.
Ayatollah Bejhat: It is not permissible as it stimulates lust.
Question: What is the ruling on watching films that teach the correct way to have relations with a pregnant wife, especially if it does not lead to any sinful behavior?
Ayatollah Khamenei: Watching these films, which are always accompanied by lustful intentions, is not permissible.
Ayatollah Sistani: Watching vulgar paintings for the purpose of learning how to have intercourse with a wife, even if there is no lust, is not permissible according to precaution.
Ayatollah Bejhat: Watching films that show the bodies of immoral women is not permissible because it stimulates lust.
Question: What is the ruling on someone editing and censoring immoral and obscene parts of a film?
Ayatollah Khamenei: If the intention is to edit the film and remove corrupt and misleading images, it is not problematic, provided that the person performing this task is protected from falling into forbidden actions.
Ayatollah Bejhat: Censorship is not necessary, as they can choose not to broadcast the film at all.
Question: What is the ruling on watching an obscene film prescribed by a doctor?
Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi: If prescribed by a qualified and religious doctor and is the only means of treatment, it is permissible to the extent necessary.
Question: What is the ruling on watching photos of non-Muslim women without hijab, without the intention of lust?
Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi: If it is without the intention of lust and does not lead to corruption, it is not problematic.
Question: What is the ruling on watching the naked bodies of non-believing women without lust and without it being a precursor to sin?
Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi: If "naked" means that they have uncovered their hair, it is not problematic, provided it does not lead to corruption. However, if it means being naked or partially naked, it is not permissible.
Question: What is the ruling on looking at the body parts of a non-Dhimmi infidel woman?
Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi: Looking at body parts that are typically exposed in their culture is permissible, provided there is no intention of lust.
Given the emphasis by religious authorities on preserving ethical and religious values, watching immoral and vulgar films is considered an undesirable and impermissible behavior in Islam. Therefore, to maintain spiritual and ethical health, we must always be mindful of the content we consume and avoid inappropriate material. Choosing films and series with positive and educational content can greatly contribute to personal and social growth.
