Fatwa ID: 07801
Answered by Aalimah Khadija Tarwala
Question:
Is it permissible to watch the news to the extent in which I know what is happening in the world?
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
It is permissible to watch the news to stay informed about the world, so long as the content that you view is not impermissible. This includes but is not limited to exposure to indecency or false information. Islam is a religion that encourages Muslims to be aware and observant of what is going on around them, whether it be in their direct surroundings or across the world.
Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’an: “Say, ‘Travel through the land and observe how He began creation.'” (Surah Al-‘Ankabut, 29:20)
This verse highlights the importance of being observant and aware of one’s surroundings, which can naturally include staying informed through media, as long as the intention is constructive, and the content remains appropriate.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, 224)
This hadith can be interpreted that it is in fact important for a person to be aware of what is going on across the globe to help them fulfil their responsibilities as a Muslim.
As long as watching the news is done in moderation and does not lead to sinful behaviour, it is permissible.
قُلْ سِيرُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ فَٱنظُرُوا۟ كَيْفَ بَدَأَ ٱلْخَلْقَ ۚ ثُمَّ ٱللَّهُ يُنشِئُ ٱلنَّشْأَةَ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةَ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ قَدِيرٌۭ (29:20)
حَدَّثَنَا هِشَامُ بْنُ عَمَّارٍ، حَدَّثَنَا حَفْصُ بْنُ سُلَيْمَانَ، حَدَّثَنَا كَثِيرُ بْنُ شِنْظِيرٍ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ سِيرِينَ، عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ طَلَبُ الْعِلْمِ فَرِيضَةٌ عَلَى كُلِّ مُسْلِمٍ وَوَاضِعُ الْعِلْمِ عِنْدَ غَيْرِ أَهْلِهِ كَمُقَلِّدِ الْخَنَازِيرِ الْجَوْهَرَ وَاللُّؤْلُؤَ وَالذَّهَبَ . (Sunan Ibn Majah, 224)
Only Allah knows best.
Written by Aalimah Khadija Tarwala.
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah.
Darul Ifta Birmingham.
