Resolution No.(115): “Sharia Ruling on Leasing a Place as a Cinema“

Date: 4/9/1427AH, corresponding to  27/9/2006AD

 The board received the following question:

What is the ruling of Sharia on leasing an area in a trading block as a cinema?

Answer: All success is due to Allah, The Lord of The Worlds

The Board is of the view that it is impermissible to do so because it is more likely that the movies which will be shown would contain that which violates the rulings of Islamic Sharia, even if that cinema helps in making the block`s business a success. This is because the end doesn`t justify the means, and as the end should be lawful, so should the means, but the latter isn`t because it (cinema) would show movies that promote vice and lead to mixing between the two sexes. Every act that leads to the illegal is by itself illegal as well. Allah The Almighty Says {What means}: ”O ye who believe! Give of the good things that ye have (honourably) earned, and of the fruits of the earth, which We have produced for you, and do not even aim at getting anything which is bad, in order that out of it ye may give away something, when ye yourselves would not receive it except with closed eyes. And know that God is Free of all wants, and worthy of all praise.“ {Al-Baqarah/267}. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Allah The Almighty Is Good and Accepts only that which is good. In addition, verily Allah Has Commanded the believers to do that which He has commanded the Messengers. So the Almighty Has Said (What means): “O (you) Messengers! Eat of the tayyibat [all kinds of halal (legal) foods], and perform righteous deeds.” [23:51] and the Almighty, Has Said (What means): “O you who believe! Eat of the lawful things that We have provided you.” [2:172]. Then he (PBUH) mentioned [the case] of a man who, having journeyed far, is disheveled and dusty, and who spreads out his hands to the sky saying “O Lord! O Lord,” while his food is haram (unlawful), his drink is haram, his clothing is haram, and he has been nourished with haram, so how can [his supplication] be answered? [Muslim].

And Allah Knows Best.

.

The Iftaa' Board

             Chairman of The Iftaa' Board

               Cheif Justice Dr.Ahmad Hlyaal

                        Sheikh AbdelKareem Al-Khasawneh

     Dr. Yousef Ali  Ghythan 

                            Dr. Wasif Al-Bakhri                               

 Sheikh Saeed Hijawii

    Sheikh Naeem Mujahid

Dr. Yaser Al-Shamali

(1) Related by Moslim in his Sahih, Al-Zakah book, Ch. Accepting and investing charity out of a lawful sources, Hadith No. (1015) narrated by Abu Hurayra (May Allah Be Pleased with him).