Question Summary:
Is it allowed to watch videos with Islamic sermons?

Question Detail:

Mufti Sahib, is it allowed to watch videos with Islamic sermons with Islamic dawa (no music only lecture with dai or alim speaking)? I prefer to listen in Arabic. Can you recommend some Arabic dais who have correct moderate views and can be followed in their teaching? Jazaka Allah khairan.

Answer :

It is pleasing to note your interest in obtaining Islamic knowledge and the Arabic language. Undoubtedly, the seeking of Islamic knowledge is from amongst the most rewarding acts of Ibadah (worship) and will benefit you tremendously in this world as well as the Aakhirah. It is recorded in the Hadith that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:
 
 
من سلك طريقا يطلب فيه علما ، سلك الله به طريقا من طرق الجنة ، والملائكة تضع أجنحتها رضا لطالب العلم ، وإن العالم يستغفر له من في السماوات ، ومن في الأرض ، والحيتان في الماء ، وفضل العالم على العابد ، كفضل القمر ليلة البدر على سائر الكواكب ، إن العلماء ورثة الأنبياء ، إن الأنبياء لم يورثوا دينارا ولا درهما ، وأورثوا العلم ، فمن أخذه أخذ بحظ وافر
Whosoever traverses the path of knowledge, Allah will make him traverse one of the paths of Jannah. The angels spread their wings out of pleasure for the seeker of knowledge. Everyone in the heavens and on the earth, even the fish in the seas seek forgiveness for an 'Ālim. The virtue of an 'Ālim over a worshipper is like the splendor of the full moon over that of the rest of the stars. Verily the 'Ulamā are the inheritors of the Prophets and the Prophets do not leave Dinars and Dirhams as inheritance; they leave knowledge behind. Thus, whosoever acquires it has acquired a copious share. (Abu Dawud, Hadith #: 3641, Narrated by Abud Dardaa’) 
 
There are multiple ways of acquiring Islamic knowledge. The best and safest method is the method of the pious and traditional scholars by studying directly under the guidance of a learned and experienced scholar(s). This is the method continuing from the time of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) till this day and age.
 
I understand that this might not be practically possible in certain situations. Perhaps it is not practical in your situation where there is a scarcity of learned Ulama (plural of Alim) in your region. Therefore, I can understand your need to listen to or view the lectures of scholars. It is good that you have requested guidance on which scholars’ lectures you should listen to as the internet is a dangerous and confusing place. Whilst there is an abundance of rightly guided scholars on the internet, there also exist a number of self-styled scholars who lack the necessary skills and knowledge to guide people in the correct direction. Unfortunately, many people have been led astray or been driven into extremism due to such lectures. Furthermore, there are deviated groups and sects who promote their own agendas by making use of technology. Therefore, you should be extremely cautious of who and what you listen to on the internet.
 
Hereunder are the names of a few learned and pious scholars that I would recommend listening to. Masha Allah, these scholars hold moderate views and you will greatly benefit from their discourses.
 
a) Mufti Ebrahim Desai (Hafizahullah) – There are a number of discourses of the respected Sheikh on the internet. These discourses are available at: www.idealwoman.org and www.daruliftaa.net. The language of the discourses are in English and filled with points of wisdom, academic content and highly contextual especially for the challenges that Muslims face in this time and age.
 
b) (الشيخ عبد الفتاح أبو غدة) Sheikh Abdul Fattah Abu Ghuddah – A brilliant Syrian Hanafi scholar of the recent past. His lectures are in Arabic.
 
c) (الشيخ محمد بن محمد المختار الشنقيطي) Sheikh Muhammed bin Muhammed al-Mukhtaar ash-Shanqiti (Hafizahullah). Be careful about the name as there a number of scholars with the similar name.  The above named Sheikh is one of the senior Ulama of Saudi Arabia and the son the great Maliki scholar, Sheikh Muhammed Ameen ash-Shanqiti.  His discourses are filled with in-depth knowledge and great balance.  
 
d) (مصطفى ديب البغا) Dr. Mustaf Deeb al-Buggha. He has discourses in the Arabic language.
 
I trust that the above will suffice for now. Should you have any further queries, do not hesitate to contact the Darul Iftaa.
 
And Allah knows best.


(Mufti) Suhail Tarmahomed (Damat Barakatuhum)
Head Mufti, Jamiatul Ulama, KZN, South Africa
 
Checked and Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Desai