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Is Media Work Permissible for Muslims?

23 September, 2024
Q Can Muslims work in media?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. 

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.


In this fatwa:

Working in media is permissible for Muslims, provided that they adhere to the ethical standards and guidelines set by Shari`ah. Media can be a powerful tool for spreading the message of Islam, but caution must be exercised to ensure that the work aligns with Islamic values and principles. By verifying information, respecting privacy, and avoiding harm, Muslims can contribute positively to the media industry while staying true to their faith.


Answering your question, The Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America, states:

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The Role of Media in Shaping Society and Culture

The media is considered an essential method of conveying information, ideas and attitudes between successive generations. It participates in the formation of social concepts, the shaping of culture and the protection of mores.

Indeed, it contributes to the direction of general opinion and decision-making in all aspects of life.

Islam’s View on Media as a Tool for Dawah

The media is one way of spreading the basic message of Islam and this is an obligation on Muslims in general and on preachers in particular, at all times and in all places.

The General Ruling on Media in Islam

The ruling on the media in principle, and in terms of its abstract definition, is that it is permissible. Thereafter the five categorical rulings (obligation, recommendation, permissibility, disapproval and prohibition) would apply to it, depending on the information presented, the methods employed, the resulting influences, and the outcomes of actions practiced.

Islamic Guidelines for Working in Media

This ruling shall be applied with the following restrictions:

  • Verification of information must be made before publication and rumors must be avoided.
  • Honesty and subject relevance should be maintained in conveying information.
  • Islamic etiquette and standards of behavior must be respected in the presentation of the information. People’s privacy must be respected; nothing should be published without the permission of the concerned party, unless there is some public benefit that would take precedence over that.
  • It is not permissible to publish any information—even if it is true or permission has been granted—if doing so would result in harm as defined by Shari`ah.
  • Information must be broadcast via lawful means (in accordance with Shari`ah) and prohibited means must be avoided.
  • Any work with institutions known to be enemies of Islam must absolutely be avoided if such work would involve supporting their injustice and aggression.
  • Any work with institutions whose main focus is on anything prohibited in Shari`ah must be absolutely avoided, such as magazines or channels specialized in spreading sin and vice.

Restrictions for Muslim Women Working in Media

Women must maintain the Islamic code of behavior, including full covering (hijab), avoidance of proscribed seclusion (Khulwa) and not traveling without an eligible male relative as a chaperone (Mahram) or in safe company.

Her work should be in a field that agrees with her innate disposition (Fitrah) and the nature of her being, and she must follow all other rules of etiquette in Shari`ah.

That said, the conference has postponed consideration of certain issues related to the permissibility of various types of media pending further research and examination, and these will be presented to AMJA at future conferences.

Read also:

Can Muslim Women Work in Media?

Is It Halal to Earn Money from Social Media?

Can a Muslim Be an Animator?

Can I Be a Youtuber in Comedy Genre?

Working in Art Paintings and Graphics: Allowed?

Can a Muslim Girl Be an Actress?

Almighty Allah knows best.

Source: AMJA Online

About AMJA
Permanent Fatwa Committee of the Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America (AMJA)