Question:-
Is it permissible to watch Naats and Nazms on Instagram? Is it permissible to watch recipes on Instagram where both males and females show viewers how to cook or bake? Also, is it permissible to watch news on cell phone?
Answer:-
Nazms and Naaths played on Instagram is nothing more than entertainment. Unfortunately, it has become a substitute for music for most listeners. In fact, most of these Nazms and Naaths are sung with a musical background, which is actually derived from some Haraam song. It is just a matter of changing the words. Hence, it is impermissible to listen to such Nazms and Naaths whether played on Instagram or, in general.
Also, in many instances, the picture of the singer is displayed on the screen which is also Haraam. Poetry rendered in the love of Allah and His Rasul Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam was supposed to have increased our love for Allah and His Rasul Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, but when one doesn’t even understand the meaning of the poem, how will the love of Allah and His Rasul Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam be ignited and cultivated within him? This is a clear indication that one is listening purely to derive enjoyment from the musical tune that is being played in the background, and nothing more.
Similarly, watching news or recipes on Instagram, particularly when accompanied with pictures and music, is also Haraam. There are numerous recipe books that can be utilized if a recipe is genuinely required.
As for the news, this is also watched as entertainment and a pass time. Constantly looking at a news-reader of the opposite gender and listening to the music being played in the background is also Haraam. People are seen suffering in the world on the television screen but never will we make Dua for them or discharge some Sadaqah on their behalf. Instead, we feel happy that we are in a comfort zone and not experiencing the same difficulty, whereas this is against the very grain of Shariah. Our Deen teaches us to display mercy to every creation of Allah Ta’ala to the extent that, we should show mercy even to the animals and insects. When this is the teachings of our Deen, then how can we be sitting in comfort zone whilst the rest of the world suffers? In conclusion, watching the news has made us miserly in the sense that we are only concerned about ourselves. Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam was sent as a mercy unto mankind and even made Dua for the Kuffar on the battlefield. Our concern and worry should, therefore be, for the entire creation of Allah Ta’ala.
Also, with the nature of the content displayed on news, people get depressed more than anything else. An article on the internet states, “Seeking to stay on top of current events may help some people feel involved. But because there is so much uncertainty in the world right now, watching or reading the news nonstop can make our stress and anxiety worse, which can be paralyzing.” For many, it is watching the news whilst eating or having meals, but due to the horrific scenes being displayed on the screen, they do not even benefit from the food being consumed. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the understanding!
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 25 Dhul Hijjah 1443 / 25 July 2022
