Q: You have called for making use of mass media for the sake of spreading Da`wah (calling to Islam) and guidance, permitting appearance in media, which include Taswir (photography). However, some Du`ah (callers to Islam) still refrain from appearing in such photographybased media. What is your opinion regarding this matter?
A: Undoubtedly, it is one of the greatest duties to employ mass media in calling to AlHaqq (the Truth), spreading the rulings of
Shari`ah (Islamic law), exposing Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship) and its means, and warning against everything which Allah has forbidden. In fact, this is one of the most important duties and one of the great blessings which Allah bestows on those who employ these means for the good and in making up for any deficiency in their Iman (Faith).
Definitely, some scholars refrain from appearing on television because of the Hadith Sahih (authentic Hadith), which stress the prohibition of Taswir and curse Musawwirs (those who make photographs of living beings).
On the other hand, some other scholars believe that there is no objection to appear on television so long as it is for the purpose of calling to AlHaqq, spreading the rulings of Islam, and refuting the callers to falsehood. This belief is based on the Shari`ahbased principle stating that it is permissible to commit the lesser of two evils to ward off the greater evil; in the case where it is not possible to avoid both evils, as it is permissible to bring about the greater of two interests by sacrificing the least of them, if both of them cannot be brought about.
And insult not those whom they (disbelievers) worship besides Allâh, lest they insult Allâh wrongfully without knowledge.
If your people had not been recent converts to Islam, I would have destroyed AlKa`bah and rebuilt it on the original foundation laid by Ibrahim.
Thus, it is to be known that the ruling on appearing on television for the sake of calling to Allah (Glorified be He) and spreading
AlHaqq differs according to the people's knowledge, deep insight, and their consideration of the consequences of this act. Whoever Allah has opened their heart to this matter and granted them good knowledge and they agree to appear on television for the sake of spreading AlHaqq and conveying Allah's messages, there is no blame on them and they will be rewarded by Allah (Glorified be He). Whoever feels uncertain about this, we hope that they will be excused because the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated:
Leave what causes you doubt and turn to what does not cause you doubt.
Piety is that which contents the soul and comforts the heart.
As for those who strive hard in Us (Our Cause), We will surely guide them to Our Paths (i.e. Allâh's religion Islâmic Monotheism). And verily, Allâh is with the Muhsinûn (good doers).
Invite (mankind, O Muhammad ﺻﻠﻰ ﺍﷲ ﻋﻠﻴﻪ ﻭ ﺳـﻠﻢ) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islâm) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation and the Qur'ân) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better.
And who is better in speech than he who [says: "My Lord is Allâh (believes in His Oneness)," and then stands firm (acts upon His Order), and] invites (men) to Allâh's (Islâmic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: "I am one of the Muslims."
One who guides to something good has a reward similar to that of its doer.
If anyone calls others to follow right guidance, their reward will be equivalent to those who follow them (in righteousness) without their reward being diminished in any respect, and if anyone invites others to follow error, the sin will be equivalent to that of the people who follow them (in sinfulness) without their sins being diminished in any respect.