A member of the Council of Senior Ulema says that watching soap operas broadcast during Ramadan is not allowed under Islamic law.
Ali Al-Hakmi warned that these soap operas are “full of Shariah violations.”
It was also impermissible to watch promotions of these programs, he said.
Al-Hakmi said those who stay up at night to watch these programs and lag behind in their prayers are “sinners” who should “repent and return to the straight path that leads to Allah.”
Speaking to a local newspaper, he said: “All such soaps are a waste of time, not to mention the Shariah violations they contain.”
He said it was also not allowed for Muslims to market and advertise these programs.
“Ramadan is not just one month of the year, it is a holy month dedicated to worship, for Muslims to distance themselves from sins and violations of the Shariah,” said Al-Hakmi.
“The problem is that our society has turned this holy month of prayers and worship into a month of Shariah violations. This is very wrong indeed.”
He said the owners of satellite television stations have become overwhelmed by a love of material things and money. “People have turned to the pleasures of life, such as eating, drinking and the delights of clothing and other products. They have forgotten the most important thing of all during this holy month.”
Al-Hakmi said Muslims should watch scientific and historical programs for pleasure.
Scholar denounces watching of soap operas during Ramadan
