http://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=12774
Acquiring Deeni Knowledge:
After closely examining the issue of acquiring Islamic knowledge through watching YouTube, “Islamic TV programs”, etc., one will realize that these means of acquiring Islamic knowledge do not conform to the abovementioned Islamic method of acquiring Islamic knowledge.
The television is one of the main tools of Shaitaan in misleading man. The one who views the television is not committing one sin; rather he is perpetrating a conglomeration of sins and a host of evil deeds. Some of the wrongs associated with the television are:
1) viewing pictures of animate objects, 2) viewing nonmahram women, 3) listening to music, 4) viewing obscene scenes, 5) admiring things of other religions and cultures, etc. All these things have been severely condemned and prohibited in Shari’ah. Involvement in these activities destroys the very fabric of Islamic culture and causes the degeneration of hayaa and shame in the ummah.
In order for one to propagate Islam via the television, one is required to appear on the television. This demands that one allow himself to be videoed, whereas this has been prohibited by Allah Ta‘ala and Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) . All the four mazhabs are unanimous upon the fact that picture making of animate objects is forbidden in Islam. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said:“Those involved in picture making will be subjected to the worst forms of punishment on the Day of Qiyaamah.”(Bukhari 2/880)
Even if one argues that the Islamic channel does not contain music and obscenities, it still is an undeniable fact that at times women will be viewing non-mahram men and men will be viewing non-mahram women on screen. This contravenes the law of purdah between non-mahram males and females which is the command of the Qur’aan and Hadith. This also leads to lustful glances and incites illicit feelings of attraction in the hearts of men and women, thereby leading to fitnah.
Apart from this, many people feel that they will only view Islamic programs on the television. However the chances are very slim that they will not occasionally be tempted to switch to another program. Even if they do not switch to other programs, it is possible that their children and family will watch other programs containing music, obscenities, etc. Hence, this method of propagating Islam and acquiring the knowledge of Deen directly opposes the command of Allah Ta‘ala and His Rasul (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).
Islam does not require Muslims to use haraam means and kuffaar methods to spread the message of Islam. Islam will only spread through the mubaarak way of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) mentioned, “We were the most disgraced of people. Allah Ta‘ala then gave us honour through Islam. If we ever seek honour in something besides that through which Allah Ta‘ala has honoured us (Islam), Allah Ta‘ala will disgrace us.”.........
