Muslims urged to shun ‘indecent’ films

Muslims should avoid watching indecent films because they promote vice, ruin marriages and destroy faith and ethics, Saudi Arabia’s top Muslim cleric told thousands of worshippers at Friday’s prayers in Riyadh.

Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Shaikh, the grand Mufti (Islamic chief) and head of Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Scholars Authority, said all those who watch, sell, produce, present or promote obscene films are considered sinful in Islam.

“Those who do so commit a sin. These films are extremely dangerous to Muslims. They promote vice, awaken lusts in the youth, destroy values and ethics, weaken faith and encourage the youth to commit vice,” he said in his Friday’s prayer sermon, carried by Saudi newspapers on Saturday.

Sheikh said such films, broadcast by some satellite TV channels and by video at houses, clubs and coffee shops have “poisoned our youth and ruined marriages and homes”, adding some husbands force their wives to watch such films.

“This is a big crime… watching such filthy films is strictly prohibited in Islam and is a rejected behaviour in our society. Those who do so are committing a sin and such acts are done only by those whose faith is weak.”

Shaikh accused whom he described as people without faith and values of spreading such films with the aim of spoiling the Muslim youth.

“I call on the youth not to buy and watch these indecent films. You should use technology for good purposes and avoid the bad side of it.”

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