Ibn Bazz: Youth should not abandon Media fields and leave them to the ignorant and the deviant from Truth
Youth should not abandon Media fields and leave them to the ignorant and the deviant from Truth
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Q 1: Your Eminence, what is your opinion concerning the state of giving Fatwa (legal opinion issued by a qualified Muslim scholar) in the Muslim World, is it being done properly or do you have any comments on it?
A 1: In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his Household, and Companions!
There is no doubt that Muslims everywhere are in dire need to deliver Fatwa in accordance with the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace be upon him). They are also in pressing need for these Fatwa inferred from the Qur'an and Sunnah.
Indeed, it is obligatory upon scholars everywhere in the Muslim world to pay attention to this obligation. They are responsible for clarifying the rulings of Allah (Exalted be He) and the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace be upon him) in issues of Tawhid (belief in the Oneness of Allah/ monotheism) and sincere devotion. They should also clarify the common violations that most people fall into like Shirk (ascribing partners to Allah in worship), atheism, and deviating Bid`ah (innovation in religion) so that Muslims become aware of their religion. Moreover, nonMuslims may know the essence of the guiding message and truth revealed by Allah (Exalted be He) to His Prophet (peace be upon Him).
Being the inheritors of the prophets, the scholars have a great duty in explaining Allah's Shari`ah, judgments, and providing evidence from the Book and Sunnah, not just abstract opinions.
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The scholars should also expound the merits and high morality that Islam imparts. Thus, those who know the essence of Islam will adopt it and those who heard about the goodness contained in Islam and righteous deeds will opt for it. This will return in goodness for people and countries.
It is one of the best graces that Allah (Exalted be He) conferred on us in our country that a group of Muslim scholars organize a useful program for answering many questions of Muslims, from both at home and abroad. I recommend listening to this program to benefit from it. Moreover, I advise all scholars to review and make use of Islamic books, including books of Sunnah, such as the Two Sahih (authentic) Books of Hadith (i.e. AlBukhari and Muslim) and the other standard four compilations of Hadith (Sunan of Abu Dawud, Sunan of AlTirmidhy, Sunan of AlNasa'y, and Sunan of Ibn Majah) in addition to the Musnad of Imam Ahmad, Muwatta' of Imam Malik and other reliable books of Hadith. In the field of Tafsir (exegesis of the Qur'an), I prefer the compilations of Ibn Jarir, Ibn Kathir, AlBaghawy and other scholars from AhlulSunnah wal Jama`ah (those adhering to the Sunnah and the Muslim main body). I advise scholars to read the books of ShaykhulIslam Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn AlQayyim and other books of scholars of AhlulSunnah. I, first of all, recommend them to read the Glorious Qur'an and ponder on it, for it the most truthful and noblest book. Allah (may He be glorified and Exalted) says, Verily, this Qur’ân guides to that which is most just and right Moreover, I am also urging them to adhere to the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) due to the great guidance and knowledge it contains. It is authentically reported that Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "If Allah wants to do good to a person, He makes him comprehend the religion." May Allah guide all Muslim scholars to manifest the truth and illustrate religious judgments.
Q 2: Some people say that the problems of the present age are more complicated and interlaced, thus Fatwa should be issued by an integrated team of specialists, who are well aware of the problem or the situation, in addition to the jurist. What do you think in this regard?
A 2: Indeed, Fatwa should be given in accordance with evidence of Shari`ah. If Fatwa is issued by a group of scholars, it is much better but this does not prevent
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a scholar from giving Fatwa according to his own knowledge of the sanctified Shari`ah.
Q 3: Nowadays, the media play an important role in directing this generation in accordance with the desires of the media producers. As a matter of fact, the radio and television drama and programs intend to implant certain values, thoughts, and principles that the producers of these shows. If we leave the production of these artistic works to others, they will corrupt our children. If we direct our children to understand and learn these arts, so as to shape them in an Islamic way, we fear they will commit sinful deeds. Please, give us your advice in this
regard.
A 3: People in charge of Muslim countries have to fear Allah (Exalted be He) and entrust the good and guided scholars with the responsibilities of people. The scholars should not abstain from clarifying facts through the media. They should not leave these means for the ignorant and suspicious persons or atheists. These posts should be occupied by righteous and faithful people who are endowed with deep insight to direct matters, according to the Islamic teachings, in order not to do harm to Muslims, young and old, men and women. Scholars have to give perfect answers to people with regard to the shows and programs produced by the media until the time comes when they are assumed by righteous persons. Muslim countries should use righteous persons in suitable positions to spread good and implant virtues. May Allah grant us all success.
Q 4: According to what you have clarified, do you recommend that Muslims study these fields to occupy the positions those evilminded people hold?
A 4: Yes, the scholars should not neglect these matters or leave them to ignorant persons. Rather, they should spread goodness and virtue in all fields. However, I do not recommend them to practice acting. Scholars are asked to illustrate the rulings of Allah (Exalted be He) and His Messenger (peace be upon him) to people.
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Performing or acting certain characters is lying and impermissible.
Q 5: Ka`b Ibn Zuhayr (may Allah be pleased with him) stood in front of Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) and recited his poem, which begins with, "Su`ad has become so far and my heart is left broken ..." However, he never saw Su`ad and nothing happened to him of the matters he mentioned in his poem, thus it is a kind of falsehood. Acting and poetry are kinds of arts, so what do you say about this?
A 5: This does not involve representation of others, but false representation is when someone of them says, "I am Abu Bakr, I am `Umar. I am `A'ishah." All of this is falsehood. Allah knows best.
Q 6: Do we consider the establishment of Islamic groups, which embrace the youth and bring them up on the teachings of Islam in some Muslim countries, as one of the positive activities of contemporary age?
A : There is no doubt that these groups benefit Muslims, but they have to exert greater effort in clarifying the Truth supported with evidence. They should not dispute with other groups. Rather, they are required to cooperate, exchange advice and promote the praised activities of one another, and avoid whatever may disturb mutual harmony. Thus, there is no harm in having (Islamic) groups as long as they call to the Qur'an and Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet, peace be upon him).
Q 7: What is your advice to the youth belonging to these (Islamic) groups?
A : I advise them to hold fast to the Right Path, to return to scholars in matters they are uncertain of and to cooperate with members of other Islamic groups in what benefits Islam based on evidence from Shari`ah (Islamic law), avoiding violence and mockery. Cooperation should be through good words and good conduct. I advise the youth to follow the example of the Salaf (righteous predecessors), hold fast to the Truth and remain upon the True `Aqidah (creed) adopted by the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with them all).
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Q 8: What should Da`wah (calling to Islam) priorities be; doing charitable deeds, such as building Masjids (mosques) and helping the afflicted, or calling governments to apply Shari`ah (Islamic law) and fighting against all forms of corruption?
A: The duty of scholars is to follow the example of messengers (peace be upon them) who started their Da`wah with Kafir (disbelieving) groups and nonMuslim countries. This is through calling to Tawhid (belief in the Oneness of Allah), abandoning worship of anything apart from Allah, believing in Him, confirming His Names and Attributes in a way that most befits Him, believing in His Messenger (peace be upon him), loving him and following him. In addition, scholars should call Muslims everywhere to adhere and hold fast to Shari`ah, advise rulers and help and relieve the needy.
Moreover, while continuing with their Da`wah efforts, scholars should not neglect doing charitable deeds. They can visit rulers, praise their righteous deeds and encourage them to apply Shari`ah and bind nations to apply it. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad صلى االله عليه وسلم) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission. He (Glorified and Exalted be He) also says: Do they then seek the judgement of (the days of) Ignorance? And who is better in judgement than Allâh for a people who have firm Faith. There are many Ayahs (Qur'anic verses) to the same effect.
Q 9: What is your advice to the youth who exceed the proper limits in religion?
A: It is necessary for the youth and everyone else to beware of violence, extremism and exceeding the
proper limits.
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Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: O people of the Scripture (Christians)! Do not exceed the limits in your religion He (Glorified and Exalted be He) also says: And by the Mercy of Allâh, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harshhearted, they would have broken away from about you 
When Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) has sent Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) and Harun (Aaron, peace be upon him) to Fir`awn, He says: "And speak to him mildly, perhaps he may accept admonition or fear (Allâh)." The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Ruined are A lMutanatti`un (those who exceed the proper limits in religion). He repeated it thrice. (Related by Muslim in his Sahih (authentic) book of Hadith).Furthermore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Beware of exceeding the limits in yourreligion,becausethosebeforeyouweredestroyedduetotheirexceedingthelimitsinreligion. (RelatedbyImamAhmadand AhlulSunan (authors of Hadith compilations classified by jurisprudential themes) with a good Sanad (chain
of narrators))
Consequently, I advise all Du`ah (callers to Islam) to beware of excessiveness and exceeding the proper limits. They have to be moderate and adopt the middle course set by Allah in His Book and in the Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet).
Q 10: We witness a huge political event that shook the world, namely the Palestinian Intifada against the Jews. What is your advice to the Muslim youth in occupied Palestine?
A: I advise them to observe Taqwa (fearing Allah as He should be feared), cooperate with one another in goodness and to be sincere in their efforts, for Allah grants victory to those who support His Cause. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: O you who believe! If you help (in the cause of) Allâh, He will help you, and make your foothold firm. He (Glorified be He) also says in the Qur'an: Allâh has promised those among you who believe and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the land, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practise their religion which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islâm). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me.
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I advise all Muslims to cooperate with the Palestinians and call on wealthy people and rulers to offer help to their striving brothers in Palestine to regain their land and achieve victory over the enemies of Allah, In sha’aAllah (if Allah wills).
May Allah guide them and reward them well for defending all Muslims! As for Palestinians, they have to endure and be patient, for Allah's Promise is true and He grants victory to those who support His Cause. May Allah grant them success and victory over their enemy and guide Muslims to help and stand by them until they are victorious over their enemy with the Aid of Allah, for He is the Best to grant Victory.
Peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!
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