Series of Answers by the Eminent Scholar Ata Bin Khalil Abu Al-Rashtah, Ameer of Hizb ut-Tahrir, to the questions of his Facebook page visitors "Feqhi"
Answer to Question
To Abu Afiya Baqavi
Question:
Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh, O Sheikh,
What is the ruling on watching films and series that portray the Prophets and the Companions (Sahaba)?
Answer:
Walaikum Assalam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,
Indeed, films and series in their current reality are not permissible under Shari’ah because they involve lying, they are permeated by ikhtilat (free mixing of genders), and the uncovering of 'awrah (private parts) occurs because non-mahram men play the roles of husbands and mahram relatives, leading to the exposure of 'awrah to them. Therefore, they involve one Shari’ah violation after another. Thus, these films and series are not permissible under Shari’ah due to these violations. Even more severe than this in terms of Shari’ah violation is when the Sahaba (may Allah be pleased with them) are portrayed. Then, the most severe of all, whose sin is immense, is when an ordinary man portrays the Prophets and Messengers without shame or fear of Allah (swt).
We have previously issued an answer to a question on this subject and more on September 23, 2009, which I will mention to you for further benefit:
"(Regarding acting and series... many Shari’ah violations permeate them:
a) They involve lying, as a person adopts the persona of another person and speaks their words, saying this and that... If it is required to swear an oath because the person he is portraying swore an oath, he does so. Moreover, he may pronounce divorce if the person portrayed had divorced. A person is responsible for the utterances of his tongue even if he is joking...
b) They involve ikhtilat (free mixing), as men and women are together without a necessity recognized by Shari’ah...
c) The uncovering of 'awrah, as non-mahram men play the roles of husbands and mahram relatives, which requires not covering the 'awrah as it should be covered before strangers, in addition to what happens beyond covering the 'awrah, such as other relations between the men and women playing the roles of husbands and mahrams...
The major Shari’ah violations in this are clear... And even greater and more severe is when the roles of Prophets are portrayed. A Prophet was chosen by Allah (swt) for Prophethood and the Message, which is a special distinction for him and not for any other human. For an ordinary man to portray a Prophet or Messenger who received revelation is an aggression against the Message, a failure to give Prophethood its due right, and a failure to appreciate the Message as it should be. This is a great injustice to the Message and the Messenger... this is in addition to the other Shari’ah violations that permeate the stages of acting, such as the relations between men and women, etc.
Therefore, these series and plays are not permissible.
As for the position of the Khilafah (Caliphate) State when it is established, by the will of Allah, it will not allow such plays and series that contain Shari’ah violations. As for the details of that and how the matter will be regarding such works at that time, we will detail it then, if Allah wills. September 23, 2009)"
I hope this is sufficient, and Allah is All-Knowing and All-Wise.
Note:
To all the brothers who commented on the answer regarding 'watching' and said that the answer was about acting and not about watching... to these brothers I say: I sufficed with the answer regarding the prohibition of the acting mentioned in the question, i.e., showing people portraying Prophets and Sahaba, and I said that this is not allowed and that the State, upon its establishment, will prevent it. I did not answer regarding watching; rather, I left this matter for the questioners to perform ijtihad in it or to follow (taqlid) any recognized mujtahid whose ijtihad they trust. In other words, I did not adopt (tarjih) an opinion on the subject. I hope the matter has become clear.
Your brother, Ata Bin Khalil Abu Al-Rashtah
28 Rabi’ al-Akhir 1441 AH Corresponding to December 25, 2019 CE
Link to the answer from the Ameer’s Facebook page
Link to the answer from the Ameer’s Website