Is a Comedic Film with Male and Female Actors Permissible?
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
Is it permissible to create a comedic film with Islamic themes involving male and female actors who interact on-screen and present to a mixed-gender audience if there is no music or uncovered ‘awra?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.
The Issue of Mixed-Gender Interactions
It is not permissible to create a comedic film in this way. Interactions between male and female actors and the presence of a mixed-gender audience are also impermissible. See the detailed referenced answer below.
The world we live in depicts that we need to have fun in every possible way without any restrictions. It is very important for us that while we humans want to have fun, we should not allow this to distract us from our purpose in life. We need to prioritize and realize that the purpose of why Allah created us is to worship Him. This should always be a priority.
The Limits of Entertainment in Islam
Jurists say that everything is considered halal unless proven haram. This is why certain aspects of entertainment can indeed be classified as haram if they involve impermissible factors, such as mixed-gender interactions, uncontrolled emotional states between both genders and an atmosphere of unmindfulness and heedlessness for a few hours, among other factors.
We find that Islam allows people to enjoy themselves in wholesome, pure, and halal ways. There are many rules that regulate joking and comedy in Islam. Islam is not against joking, but the content needs to be clean. It is very important for those Muslims involved in the field of entertainment known as comedy to be very careful what they say and to study the fiqh of joking, as it can lead to stepping into dangerous territory. See the answers below.
The Principle of Blocking the Means (Sadd al-Dhara’i‘)
Where there is free mixing, this natural instinct will be aroused at some time and lead to the committing of sin.
Therefore, Islam takes preventive measures rather than suffer the consequences. This is also one of the principles of Islamic Jurisprudence, namely “blocking the means” (sadd al-dhara’i‘).
I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. In sha’ Allah, you will receive guidance and direction.
Related
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May Allah Most High guide us to what pleases Him, forgive us for our shortcomings, and alleviate our difficulties, Amin.
I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.
