When television was introduced in the middle of the 20th century, it caused unprecedented
upheavals in the society, changing moral norms and corrupting social structures. After watching
the destruction caused by the glamorous new toy in their societies for decades, and the apparently
unstoppable momentum with which it surged forth, many concerned Muslims decided to do
something about it; in increasing numbers they wanted to use it to promote Islamic teachings.

This decision was based on the assumption that television is just a tool that can be used equally in
the service of good or evil. It was further deduced that the problems caused by television were
caused solely because it was in the wrong hands and the only thing needed to counter those
problems was to have more broadcast power in the right hands. With television signals potentially
reaching millions of people, such vast numbers could be educated as had never been possible
before.

NO REFLECTION:

However, apart from the fact that television involves pictures which are forbidden in Islam, they
did not realise the evil that lies within the television as a medium. The medium itself becomes the
message. On television, the picture is the centerpiece. It dominates and controls the entire
communication and everything else is subordinate to it. Little regard is given to the theory that is
presented. Before you can begin to think deeply about an idea, there is another eye-catching picture
on the screen to distract you. Thus television does not only NOT require reflection; it does not even
permit it. It can bring images into our heart, not ideas into our mind. Therefore, it appeals to the
emotions and not the intellect and is not the medium to teach concepts based on arguments.
Television will not just communicate, but shape and distort the message it is carrying. It will mold
it in its own image. By moving the religious discourse to the world of entertainment, it will
make religious authority irrelevant.

ENTERTAINMENT:

Furthermore, the challenge in captivating the audience on a program on T.V. is far greater as more
entertaining programs are just a tap away. Hence, to succeed in building and holding a large
audience, there is a need to constantly attract people through eye-catching visuals and entertaining
programs. If a camera is placed in front of a scholar engaged in some serious discourse, it is highly
unlikely for such a program to have mass appeal. As a result, gradually even religion becomes a
recreational pursuit. In short, the entertainment becomes the concern and not the message that
should be conveyed.

CHRISTIANITY AND TV:

Let us look at how television has affected the Christian world. Decades before us, the Christians also
came up with the same idea of using the television to promote their religion. According to Christian
critics it was not the promotion of Christianity as it was known before the advent of television. Instead,
the audiences were attracted and held though the lure of entertainment. The effect was that people started expecting entertainment everywhere; in churches, preachers or anywhere else. In short, as Neil Postman would say, it was not that religion became the content of television but that television shows were becoming the content of religion.
‘ISLAMIC’ TV:

If we examine the ‘Islamic TV Channels’ that have evolved over the past few years, we will find
exactly the same results. Their aim is to provide entertainment and to shun all serious talk. They
provide a seamless connection to the usual programs on TV. This is because the medium itself has
certain properties whose impact on the audience is the same, irrespective of the nature of the
content displayed. What is more is that presenters who are totally ignorant of the teachings of Islam
pass rulings according to their own whims and desires. Whatever judgement they pass is accepted
by their audience because they have already charmed them with their personalities and charisma.
There is no need to refer to any scholar for any ruling. In fact, Allah Ta`ala forbid, some of the
basic beliefs of a Muslim are challenged.

DEBATES:

As far as television is concerned, every topic is debatable. Or else it is not televisable.
Controversies and exchanges enliven a program and serious talks drive away viewers. Therefore
even the most fundamental and agreed upon principles, such as beliefs, etc, have to be opened up to
debates.

THE RESULT:

The result of using television to preach our Deen will be that eventually `Aalims and Muftis will
be replaced by actor `Aalims and Muftis. Instead of teaching people their religion, entertainment
will be promoted. Fundamental issues will be compromised and subject to debate. People will be
accustomed to entertainment and will begin searching for it in every aspect of Deen. Their ability
to reflect will be lost. Very easily their emotions will be aroused.

THE WAY FORWARD:

It is evident from the foregoing that using the television to promote Islam is fraught with dangers.
The entire essence of Deen is at stake. Therefore, it is not possible to use the television without
causing great damage to the Deen of the onlookers. Thus, the way forward would be to go back to
the original mediums of teaching Deen. In this there is protection as it is a tried and tested method
of conveying Deen. People should be encouraged NOT to watch television, instead of trying to
teach them through television.