Seeing and hearing women on TV news

12-7-2005 | IslamWeb

Question:

We see TV, watch news, so is it permitted to see the face of women and to hear her voice?
Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) is His slave and Messenger.

 

Allaah, The Most High, has commanded Muslims to lower their gaze from looking at forbidden things. Allaah Says while addressing both men and women (what means): {Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things) and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.). That is purer for them. Indeed, Allaah is All-Aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things),…}[Quran 24:30-31]

Based on the above, it is not permitted for a Muslim to gaze at a woman on TV because they are usually indecently dressed, and thus are much more tempting.

In this regard you can consider the following Hadeeth; the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) once said to 'Ali may Allaah be pleased with him: "Do not follow an unintentional look (at forbidden things) with another look. The first glance is for you (pardonable) whereas the second glance is not for you (counted against you)." [At-Tirmithi]

As regards the voice of a woman, then in principle it is not an 'Awrah (i.e it is not prohibited to listen to it), and thus it is permissible to listen to her voice as long as it does not tempt or incite man's desires, otherwise a man is prohibited from doing so.

Finally, we ask Allaah to protect the Muslims and guide them to the truth.

Allaah Knows best.

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