What is the ruling on publishing articles in newspapers that do not have a fully Islamic orientation?
Newspapers are an important medium for dissemination and influence, so their use for Dawah (Islamic propagation) and reform should not be neglected. The presence of objectionable content in them does not prevent participation and the delivery of good, provided that there is an opportunity for the reformer to express his opinion fully. Sheikh Ibn Baz was asked about some callers (Du'at) refraining from participating in media outlets, and he replied: "It is incumbent upon newspaper owners to fear Allah and to beware of what harms people... As for publishing pictures of women on the cover or inside magazines or newspapers, this is a great evil and a grave wickedness... Likewise, publishing misleading secular ideologies or those that call for some sins like adultery, or unveiling, or immodest display, or that call for alcohol, or that call for what Allah has forbidden, all of this is a great evil... And it is incumbent upon the callers to tackle this field in what they write and what they publish, and to warn against what Allah Almighty has forbidden. This is their duty in their sermons and in their meetings with people... So, it is incumbent upon them to utilize these media — media outlets — and to spread good through them, and not to shy away from them."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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