Viewing DVDs

Q: Is it permissible to view a CD or DVD on the Chechen struggle?

A: CD’s or DVD’s of this nature display pictures and images of human beings, which are not permissible to view. We are of the view that pictures appearing on computer or TV screens fall under the Shar’ee definition of photography. When Rasollullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) conquered Makka, he ordered the Sahaaba to wash off pictures that were painted on the walls inside the Holy Ka’ba. This is proof that pictures on flat surfaces are also not allowed, contrary to the belief that only three-dimensional images have been prohibited in the hadith. While we fully understand that Muslims would love to view the losses inflicted on the enemy by the Mujaahideen, let us in the interests of our Islamic principles, confine ourselves to the printed stories.