FatwaPerlisSocial & Contemporary Issues
Garis Panduan Pawagam (Cinema)
What is the ruling on watching films at the cinema according to the Perlis State Fatwa Committee?
Short answer
Cinema is classed as entertainment and is permissible as long as it does not lead a person to abandon religious obligations or engage in prohibited matters, and it may even be rewarding if it promotes what is prescribed by the Shariah.
A reference, not a fatwa. First sentence of the summary below — read the original fatwa and consult your state authority before acting.
- Authority
- Perlis State Mufti Department
- Status
- Fatwa committee decision
- Series
- Himpunan Fatwa Negeri Perlis
- Topic
- Social & Contemporary Issues
No evidence of gazettement in the source — this is not a gazetted fatwa.
Summary
Cinema is classed as entertainment and is permissible as long as it does not lead a person to abandon religious obligations or engage in prohibited matters, and it may even be rewarding if it promotes what is prescribed by the Shariah. It becomes prohibited if the film content promotes false beliefs, insults Allah, the Prophet, the Quran or the Sunnah, or encourages forbidden acts such as free sex, alcohol and gambling. Watching is also forbidden if it clearly harms the viewer, such as by creating doubts about religion, inciting sin, corrupting morals or causing neglect of obligations, though those watching for research or evaluation without such effects are not prohibited. Cinemas in Malaysia are permitted provided the films shown are free of prohibited content and the venue is not known as a centre of immoral activity.
Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.
Adapun pawagam atau cinema yang wujud di negara kita ini dibolehkan dengan syarat;
Read the full fatwa on the Perlis website (new tab)
How to cite
Cite the original fatwa and its authority. Rujuk Fatwa is only where you found it.
Perlis State Mufti Department. “Garis Panduan Pawagam (Cinema)”, date not stated. https://muftiperlis.gov.my/index.php/himpunan-fatwa-negeri/1189-garis-panduan-pawagam-cinema. Found via Rujuk Fatwa: https://rujukfatwa.com/en/fatwa/ruling-on-watching-films-at-cinema-10587/