Is It Permissible to Support or Promote Content That Includes Uncovered Women?
Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Question
Is it haram to support or promote content that includes uncovered women if the cause itself is good?
Answer
In the Name of Allah Most Merciful and Compassionate.
Distinguishing Between the Uncovered and the Lewd
These are sensitive matters that require careful distinction. There is a fundamental difference between a woman being uncovered and content that is lewd or sexually provocative.
Anyone can discern the difference between a woman’s head being uncovered and someone appearing in a sexually provocative dress or posture. Lewd and vile content has no valid cause. One cannot justify sharing or promoting indecent or explicit material by claiming that the cause behind it is good. If people were to protest a cause through indecent displays or nudity, this cannot be justified simply because the cause itself is worthy.
Such matters fall under what is considered fahsha and munkar, and they cannot be promoted or shared. Instead, the same cause can be supported through other appropriate means.
When the Content Itself Is Sound
A different situation arises when the content itself and the values being promoted are sound, but the presenter or journalist appearing in the material is uncovered.
In such cases, one must still dislike that matter for the sake of Allah Most High. It is from the perfection of faith to love what Allah loves and to hate what Allah hates. The pleasure and displeasure of Allah are in accordance with His command and His prohibition.
Thus, if a documentary or report contains beneficial information, but the presenter is uncovered, one should still maintain inward disapproval of that matter. One should also lower one’s gaze, maintain modesty and dignity, and avoid looking unnecessarily.
In such circumstances, engaging with or sharing the content would not be impermissible.
Being Thoughtful About Online Content
At the same time, much content online is superficial. Many documentaries and online productions use visual and sound effects to move viewers emotionally, not only at the conscious level but also at the subconscious level. As a result, a person may be influenced emotionally rather than thinking clearly with their rational mind.
The honor of the human being lies in their religion and their intellect. In this age, which contains much confusion and corruption, one must remain grounded in both.
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,
“Whoever of you lives on will see much change.”
Because of this, we are reminded to hold fast to the fundamentals. Among the greatest honors given to the human being are religion and reason.
Channeling Efforts Toward What Truly Matters
There may be voices of good and principle online, but a person must still exercise caution and discernment. Some forms of online activism may have value, but one should focus on actions that bring real benefit and consequence.
It is often the case that people share content about suffering or injustice simply to inform others of what they already know. In such cases, one should ask whether sharing that content is truly making a difference.
A well-known remark humorously captures this point. Someone asked whether sharing good religious content online would lead them to Paradise. The response was that the phone might reach Paradise, but for the person to reach Paradise, they must act upon the good that they share.
For this reason, one should think carefully about how to channel their energy toward what truly matters while keeping away from matters that conflict with one’s values.
And Allah is the giver of success and facilitation.
[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leading scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.
Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan.
In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era.
Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs.
Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School,” which was published by White Thread Press in 2004 and is a significant contribution to Islamic literature.
His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse.
Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.
