Electronic Media

Dear brothers and sisters in Islam, electronic media has become a significant force in our time. Today, media plays a crucial role in shaping people’s positive or negative mindsets. Its power is evident as it is now considered the fourth pillar of the state. This power is akin to that of a drunken elephant! Even the rulers seek refuge from its influence and feel safer by maintaining good relations with it. Whether someone wants to make a hero or a popular leader overnight, or to bring down a hero to the ground, it is now a game played by electronic media.

Violation of Islamic and Moral Values

Unfortunately, the benefits of this powerful media in Pakistani society are few, while the harms are many. Electronic media, especially TV channels, are like a wild horse that speaks whatever comes to its mind, without any regard for causing harm, gossiping, revealing secrets, or violating Islamic laws. All these actions are contrary to ethics and decency. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “O you who have believed with your tongues but whose faith has not entered your hearts! Do not backbite the Muslims, nor follow their faults; for whoever follows the faults of others, Allah will follow his faults, and whoever Allah follows will be exposed in his home.”

Regrettably, in this era of commercialism, programs, dramas, and advertisements are being aired without regard for religion or morality, funded and dictated by external sources. These programs are such that a respectable person would feel ashamed to watch them with their children. The promotion of immorality, nudity, and shamelessness is rampant, encouraging children to disobey their parents and mistreat them, instilling in them the audacity to rebel for the fulfillment of their desires. Under the guise of women’s liberation, they are encouraged to adopt immoral behavior towards their parents and brothers. The media promotes the shedding of clothes in the name of wealth, fame, fashion, and enlightenment, exposing them publicly and auctioning their dignity.

The Role of Pakistani Media Influenced by European Thought

The millions of rupees received from advertisements by Jews and Christians have blinded media owners and journalists to the extent that they can no longer distinguish between right and wrong. When discussing any religious or political issue, they often represent the interests of Jews and Christians, promoting thoughts that contradict Islamic teachings. In their talk shows, they invite politicians or religious leaders but do not allow them to complete their statements, interrupting them repeatedly to impose their own views. They provide ample opportunities for the liberal mafia to speak against Islamic teachings but do not bother to consult any credible religious scholar to hear the religious perspective. The coverage of their rallies is often ignored, while a few enemies of religion and the nation are given live coverage during women’s freedom marches, showcasing their vulgar placards to defame Islam and Pakistan. It would not be an exaggeration to say that our media is no longer ours; it serves the interests of Jews and Christians.

Alienation from Islamic Culture and Liberalism

The content being aired in the Pakistani drama industry under the guise of entertainment is hardly worth watching. Our media houses depict illicit relationships between in-laws and siblings, promoting immorality and European culture among our youth. They sow the seeds of liberalism, showing characters living with ex-husbands and boyfriends despite multiple divorces, undermining the importance of Islamic teachings. In entertainment programs, suggestive language is used that would embarrass anyone watching with family. Morning shows and game shows provide opportunities for dancing, singing, and inappropriate interactions with strangers. These are just a few of the many issues that everyone is aware of, while countless negative effects from films, dramas, and entertainment shows are significantly impacting Pakistani society. This is why these things are perceived more as a burden than a blessing.

Promotion of Immorality and Shamelessness

The negative effects of films and dramas have led to the widespread prevalence of immorality and shamelessness in our society, while the positive effects of media are negligible. The central theme of these dramas, derived from European culture, has no relevance to our social realities and culture. Writers, directors, producers, and TV channels influenced by the “mombatti mafia” and the thought behind women’s marches are subtly promoting freedom and immorality among our youth.

The Fate of Those Promoting Shamelessness

Those who are striving to fulfill the nefarious agenda of Jews and Christians should remember that their actions will lead to painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter. Allah says: “Indeed, those who love to see scandal spread among the believers will have a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter.”

Accountability on the Day of Judgment

Similarly, those who watch or listen to such films, dramas, or programs should understand that the body parts through which they commit sins will be questioned on the Day of Judgment, whether it be their ears, eyes, or heart. Allah says: “Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart will all be questioned.”

Therefore, we should strive to listen to recitations and praises of the Prophet, watch religious programs, and seek guidance from scholars regarding Islamic rulings whenever we watch TV.

Prohibition of Imitating Others and Mockery

In comedy shows on TV and stage, the imitation of politicians, athletes, artists, and religious scholars is often done in the name of entertainment, leading to their character assassination. Mocking someone, making them a subject of laughter, or insulting them through suggestive remarks is known as mimicry in media terminology. This is a source of great distress, is against Islamic teachings, and is considered a sinful act. Allah says: “O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one’s] faith. And whoever does not repent – then it is those who are the wrongdoers.”

Thus, those who are involved in this sin should repent immediately and refrain from committing this sinful act in the future.

Cultural Invasion and Its Prevention

Dear brothers, the unethical and religiously objectionable content in dramas, films, and programs is having a profound negative impact on Pakistani society. TV channels are violating all religious and legal boundaries in pursuit of ratings and commercials. Their irresponsible behavior is leading to the emergence of shamelessness and new trials in our society. Women’s clothing is becoming increasingly revealing, and the portrayal of deceit and espionage is on the rise. The rate of domestic disputes and divorces is increasing, and children are shown raising their hands against their parents. Is this our culture?

Who are these media outlets trying to please by showcasing such content? Why is there a reluctance to reflect our Eastern traditions in Pakistani dramas? Why are Muslims not shown going to mosques, praying, and observing their religious duties? Why are women not depicted wearing hijabs? Why do these productions mock bearded individuals and ridicule scholars? Despite being an Islamic country, why do they always seem dissatisfied with the religious class?

A Moment of Reflection

Dear brothers, let us reflect: why have the pious and true Muslims not found a place in these programs? Why have they not gained popularity? People have learned deception, selfishness, and new fashions from these dramas, but why has no one been inspired to grow a beard, become a regular prayer observer, or improve their character? This is a moment of reflection for all of us.

A systematic planning and deliberate conspiracy is quietly infiltrating our culture and religious values through the media and secularism. To combat this cultural virus, which is akin to cancer, we must all fulfill our responsibilities. Writers should use their pens, religious scholars should offer guidance, and the rulers should use their power to prevent such un-Islamic matters.

The Role and Responsibility of Media in Social Reform

Experts in psychology assert that whatever films, dramas, or programs a person watches on the internet or TV will undoubtedly have positive or negative effects on their personality. This is why our youth are following electronic media in everything, with little influence from parents or teachers. Therefore, the responsibility now lies with the media. It should focus on the aspect of social reform in its programs, showing both the positive and negative sides of characters, but clarifying the truth instead of leaving matters ambiguous.

Media should avoid creating endless TV serials based on fictional stories of domestic disputes and horror movies centered on violence. Instead, it should produce quality, creative programs that provide moral education, promote technical education, and strengthen people’s thinking and awareness. Islamic teachings and the history of Islam should be highlighted, and the sacrifices of our elders should be shared with the youth. The true face of Islam should be presented to the world, and the global conspiracies against Islam should be countered through media.

Media should not engage in character assassination of our religion, homeland, rulers, armed forces, and scholars for a few dollars received from advertisements. By showcasing domestic disputes, violence, theft, murder, and fictitious oppression of women, they should not contribute to the negative impact on society. They should not leave a negative impression of our religion and homeland on the world. Instead, they should teach people to live with love, compassion, and good morals, encouraging mutual kindness and respect.

Necessary Measures for Amendments in PEMRA Laws

Dear friends, brothers, and elders, Pakistan was founded in the name of Islam, and the majority of its inhabitants are Muslims who adhere to Islamic laws. Therefore, it is the heavy responsibility of our rulers to take immediate action against un-Islamic matters. The PEMRA laws should be made stricter, and a review of these laws should be conducted in light of Islamic teachings. Immediate bans should be placed on TV programs, morning shows, award shows, advertisements, and dramas that promote immorality and violate Islamic values. TV owners should be summoned and warned, and their licenses should be revoked in case of violations.

Parents should also keep a close eye on their children’s activities and should not allow them to watch programs or dramas that contradict moral values.

Dua (Supplication)

O Allah! Grant us the ability to use media positively and protect us from its negative effects. Inspire us to listen to recitations and praises of the Prophet through TV channels and the internet, and keep us away from watching immoral and un-Islamic programs.

O Allah! Purify our hearts and souls from all impurities, and grant us the ability to live our lives according to the teachings of Your beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) and the Quran and Sunnah.

O Allah! Keep us loyal to Islam, make us true and devoted lovers of the Prophet, foster unity among us, and make us regular in our five daily prayers. Protect us from laziness and grant us sincerity in every good deed. Enable us to fulfill all our obligations with excellence, protect us from stinginess, and inspire us to help the needy with a generous heart.

O Allah! Grant us the honor of serving and protecting our country and people, strengthen the bonds of love and unity among us, and grant us the ability to act according to the laws of Sharia. Accept our prayers in Your gracious presence, and we seek Your mercy, forgiveness, and safety from all sins. We ask You for all that is good, relieve our sorrows, settle our debts, grant complete healing to our sick, and fulfill our needs!

O Lord of Glory! Bless our lawful sustenance and keep us safe from dependence on others. Grant us the ability to serve You with love and obedience, and soften our hearts towards Your creation. O Allah! Make our morals good and our actions excellent, accept our good deeds, protect us from all sins, and grant freedom to our Palestinian and Kashmiri brothers and sisters suffering from oppression. Protect the lives, property, and honor of Muslims worldwide, and resolve their issues with goodness and blessings. Ameen, O Lord of the worlds!

And may Allah send blessings upon His best creation, the light of His Throne, our Master, Prophet, and Beloved Muhammad, and upon his family and companions. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds!