Muslim Action Committee

Friday, June 09, 2006

786
FATAWA OF ENDORSEMENT PERTAINING TO THE ANIMATED FILM:
MUHAMMAD, THE LAST MESSENGER (PEACE BE UPON HIM)

I have been asked my opinion on the permissibility according to the most honourable Islamic Shariah of the viewing of the animated film: Muhammad, the Last Messenger (peace be upon him) in and of itself and within the context of a cinema screening.
Many of the honourable Ulema (Religious Scholars) of the Hijaz College and the Muslim Action Committee viewed the film at a special screening in Birmingham. After viewing and carefully studying the film in all it’s aspects we have reflected upon the question of the film’s permissibility. We note that the film respects the prohibition of depicting our beloved Prophet (Peace be upon him), his family members and closest companions. The film also contributes towards fulfilling the communal obligatory duty of conveying the Islamic message to our non-Muslim neighbours. The film is also a useful tool of education within the Muslim community for our younger generation.
The need for the Islamic message to be conveyed by means which suit the cultural and technological mores of the time is an imperative for Muslims wherever they may be living. In this time and especially in the context of the Western World where film, radio and television are key means of communication and education, such films are of great benefit.
Thus I hereby approve and endorse the animated film: Muhammad, the Last Messenger (peace be upon him) and its use in cinemas as being legitimate according to the Islamic Shariah, on behalf of the High Council of Hijazi Ulema.

Shaykh Faiz-ul-Aqtab Siddiqi

National Convenor, Muslim Action Committee (MAC)
Secretary General, International Muslim’s Organisation (IMO)
Principal, Hijaz College Islamic University
Blessed Supreme Spiritual Guide, Astana Silsila Alia Hijazia Naqshbandia