Let’s first put a disclaimer there. No matter what I say, I can’t justify that watching dramas is permissible in Islam. I am a big hypocrite, and I watch dramas despite knowing that it is a sin.
Alright, with that, let’s dive into today’s topic.
It’s time to rethinking the time we spend watching dramas and understand Islam’s perspective on entertainment
Introduction
In today’s fast-paced world, entertainment has become an integral part of our lives. One form of entertainment that has gained immense popularity is watching dramas and movies. However, it is essential to reflect on how we spend our time and consider whether indulging in excessive screen time truly benefits us. Drawing upon Islamic teachings, in this blog post, I will try and explore the potential harms of excessive drama consumption and encourages a balanced approach to entertainment.
1. Evaluating Time Utilization
Islam emphasizes the importance of utilizing our time wisely and engaging in activities that bring us closer to our Creator and benefit society. While entertainment is a natural part of life, spending excessive hours engrossed in dramas can lead to an imbalance in our daily routines. It is crucial to strike a balance between entertainment and fulfilling our responsibilities towards family, work, education, and personal growth.
2. Impact on Productivity and Self-development
Excessive drama consumption can become a distraction, hindering our productivity and personal development. The hours spent watching dramas could be utilized for self-improvement, learning new skills, engaging in meaningful relationships, or contributing to our communities. Islam encourages believers to strive for personal growth and make the most of their talents and abilities.
Speaking for myself, often, the dramas leave me in a state of daze, unable to think straight or focus on work. The last time it happened was in February 2023 when I binged 16 episodes of Tere Bin in one night. For the next three days, I couldn’t stop thinking about Murtasim and Meerub. This is the kinda impact dramas have in us. Do we really want this to take control of our lives?
Think about all the time we spend on scrolling though and watching the videos. That’s HOURS at length. If you take 30 minutes to recite on Juz of Quran, you could finish several juz in one night.
3. Influences on Morality and Values
Dramas often portray a wide range of characters and storylines, some of which may conflict with Islamic values and teachings. Excessive exposure to content that promotes unethical behavior, violence, or immorality can gradually desensitize viewers and erode their sense of moral judgment. Islam urges believers to surround themselves with positive influences and be mindful of the content they consume to maintain their ethical standards.
Recently, the drama makers are becoming bolder and bolder in their choices and decisions. The suggestion of Marital Rape scene in Tere Bin sparked a debate that hasn’t settled yet. That’s another evil of watching dramas incessantly. You can read more here: Marital Rape in Dramas
4. Seeking Knowledge and Beneficial Entertainment
Islam encourages seeking knowledge and engaging in entertainment that nourishes the mind, heart, and soul. While dramas can provide entertainment and occasionally deliver powerful messages, it is important to be discerning about the content we choose to watch. Opting for educational programs, documentaries, or movies that inspire, educate, and promote positive values can be a more fruitful use of our leisure time.
Better yet, why not seek a text alternative of videos?
5. Striving for Moderation
Islam emphasizes the principle of moderation in all aspects of life. It encourages believers to strike a balance between worldly pursuits and spiritual growth. Rather than completely shunning entertainment, finding a middle ground where we enjoy dramas and movies in moderation, while also allocating time for worship, self-reflection, and meaningful activities, is key.
Conclusion
I watch Pakistani dramas because if I don’t, I end up watching Hollywood/English content which is much worse than Pakistani dramas. However, that reason doesn’t justify watching dramas. It is wrong. PERIOD. Watching dramas does more harm than good, and it’s time to rethink and reevaluate our choices of how we spend our time.
In Islam, the concept of time carries immense value, and believers are encouraged to make the most of it. While watching dramas and movies can provide entertainment and occasional inspiration, excessive consumption can lead to wasted time, moral desensitization, and a neglect of personal growth. By embracing a balanced approach to entertainment and prioritizing activities that align with our values and goals, we can lead more fulfilling lives and make meaningful contributions to society. Let us be mindful of how we spend our time, aligning our choices with the teachings of Islam to achieve a harmonious balance in our lives. May Allah bless us all with strength to overcome our weaknesses and follow Islam to the letter.
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Remember me in your prayers.
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I have been meaning to post about these things for ages, and now I have finally made time.
Shabana Mukhtar