Question
If a government decides to censor, in the interests of preserving the collective moral and spiritual cleansing process, by what standard must it go about censoring lewdness, violence, etc.?
Ideas about what exactly constitutes “lewdness” differ from culture to culture. For example, here in the United States, a man and a woman kissing on screen is nothing explicit, whereas such an act might be considered inappropriate in South Asia. The sources of Islam do not seem to provide detailed guidance in this sphere. In view of this difficulty, how should an Islamic government decide what is worthy of censorship and what is not?
Furthermore, can the government invent a rating system, whereby various forms of media and entertainment are given a rating of “appropriateness” (i.e. G or Guidance would be completely appropriate for children’s viewing, listening while R or Restricted would only be appropriate for those above a certain adolescent age)? Or must anything beyond “G” be absolutely banned altogether for everyone, regardless of age?
In other words, would the government of an Islamic state be obliged by the religion to censor ALL forms of media and entertainment which depict even the slightest hint of lewdness, violence, crime, and so forth?
Thank you.
Answer
I agree with you that the idea of what constitutes ‘lewdness’ can be different from culture to culture. However, we must not forget that the responsibility, seen from the perspective of Islam, of those in charge of the affairs of a people is not merely to preserve and maintain their prevalent concepts of socio-moral well being, but is also to alleviate these standards to a level that is perceived to be desirable and understood to be in accordance with the spirit of Islam.
It is obvious that media and forms of entertainment can be most effectively used for the purpose of alleviating these standards. Muslims, as well as those following any other religion, should utilize these forums to the best advantage of their societies.
As for what may be considered as within the allowable limits of the Shari`ah, it would largely depend upon the general understanding and interpretation of the tenets of the Shari`ah, which, obviously, can differ from person to person. Thus, at a collective level, whatever is considered to be ‘appropriate’ by the legislature of that collectivity should, in most cases, be allowed and vice versa.
You ask:
Furthermore, can the government invent a rating system, whereby various forms of media and entertainment are given a rating of “appropriateness” (i.e. G or Guidance would be completely appropriate for children’s viewing, listening while R or Restricted would only be appropriate for those above a certain adolescent age)? Or must anything beyond “G” be absolutely banned altogether for everyone, regardless of age?
Yes. A Muslim state can invent and implement such a rating system.
You ask:
In other words, would the government of an Islamic state be obliged by the religion to censor ALL forms of media and entertainment which depict even the slightest hint of lewdness, violence, crime, and so forth?
Not merely a Muslim government but all governments, by their very nature, should be conscientious about their obligations in making due provisions for the well being – in the wider sense of the word – of their people. Nevertheless, in the case of Muslim governments it is not only their natural obligation but is also one that they are reminded of by the Prophet (pbuh).
We must be mindful of the fact that each one of us is responsible for all those who come under the scope of our moral and legal authority. Being unmindful of their well being and being apathetic of making due provisions for this well being can take us to ultimate doom. Thus, the government of a Muslim state is indeed obliged to check the promotion of all such values which are considered to be naturally undesirable or are interpreted to be against the teachings of the Shari`ah.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Moiz Amjad
January 31, 2003