What is the ruling on the view that the cinema is permissible?
Praise be to Allaah.
No Muslim can doubt that the cinema that exists nowadays is a house of sin, which spreads images of that which Allaah has forbidden, pictures of women who are clothed yet naked, walking with an enticing gait. Indeed in many cases it propagates and promotes sinful sexual relationships between men and women. This is in addition to the music and songs, and the films of crimes that corrupt society. It is haraam to spread and propagate each of these things, so how about if they are combined?
The point is that whatever is like that, it is undoubtedly haraam and any money that comes from it is also haraam. Whoever says that the money earned from the cinema is halaal should examine the situation of contemporary cinema, so that he may realize the error of what he is saying.
People should beware of allowing that which Allaah has forbidden. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And say not concerning that which your tongues put forth falsely: ‘This is lawful and this is forbidden,’ so as to invent lies against Allaah. Verily, those who invent lies against Allaah will never prosper.
A passing brief enjoyment (will be theirs), but they will have a painful tormentâ€Â
[al-Nahl 16:116-117]
And Allaah knows best.
