Ibn Bazz: people should read those publishing good and avoid the evil

As you know, most of the material broadcast by the mass media such as television involves Fisq (flagrant violation of Islamic law), impudence and utter evil. Does the Shar‘y (Islamic legal) rule (Warding off evil is given priority over achieving benefits) apply here? I appreciate your guidance. May Allah guide you! 

A : This is a great rule which will continue to be worked on: (warding off evil is given priority over achieving benefits) according to which rulers, scholars, prominent personalities and ordinary people should advise those in charge of the mass media. The public should advise one another and beware of the consequences that may befall them from that in their country or in other places. 

People should avoid doing or listening to Munkar (that which is unacceptable or disapproved of by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect). They should be content with Al­Haqq (the Truth) and lend their ears to its voice. The same applies to newspaper; people should read those publishing good and avoid the evil. A Mu’min (believer) should be selective and should not be like the collector of firewood at night who takes the serpent along with wood. 

( Part No : 5, Page No: 77) 

Thus, audio and visual mass media should be selected to take what is good and avoid what is evil. Scholars along with rulers are, thanks to Allah, continuing to provide advice and guidance. We ask Allah (Exalted be He) to help us benefit from them and to guide rulers to what is good for their countries and peoples. He is the best One to be sought for help.