And forbid the Munkar (that which


339

Q: The general department of publications of the Ministry of Information entrusted me with the responsibilities of its office in this district as well as being a representative on its behalf in the subsidiary committee of Gizan until it opens its office in this town. I was given this work in addition to my principal job by my direct superior, knowing that I represent the Ministry of Information without any payment, because I am totally convinced that I serve my religion, ruler, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and my country; the cradle of Revelation and the motherland of the message. Furthermore, I consider it a sacred national duty which I should not let down. I send my question to you shaykh Muhammad Mansur may Allah save you. When we seize some visual and audio films, or videotapes, and most of them are obscene and contrary to our upright Din and `Aqidah (creed) as well as general manners and etiquettes, it is my responsibility to investigate the person with whom they were found so as to know how he obtained them, and the people who are behind propagating these kinds of films. According to my job and before taking any procedures, I should watch these (Part No. 12; Page No. 352) films to know their content. Then, I file a report that is enclosed with the investigation record along with the confessions of the accused. After all these procedures are done, the result of the investigation and the films go to the concerned department in the Ministry of Information which in turn sends them to the concerned committee for penalties after the consent of the Minister of Information on the prescribed penalties. I would like you to guide me from the Islamic point of view whether it is permissible for me to watch such films or I will be considered sinful for watching such obscene and depraved films. May Allah save you.


Reviewing the question, the Committee answered as follows: There is nothing wrong with investigating these depraved films. What you hear and watch is permitted in accordance with the necessity of investigation. Rather, you will be rewarded for that as long as you have a sound intention, because your job has to do with denouncing and resisting evil in addition to protecting the Muslim community against any causes of corruption and deviation. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.




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