Is destroying pornographic compact discs—owned by another person—without his knowledge, then denying any knowledge of them when asked about them, a righteous act or an act that violates religious principles?

The use of discs containing obscene films is forbidden due to their corrupting effect on minds, religion, and morals. Scholars have issued fatwas prohibiting them, based on the Almighty’s saying: "Tell the believing men to lower their gaze." This reprehensible act must be denounced and an effort made to remove it by hand, tongue, or heart, as stated in the Hadith: "Whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand." One of the most effective ways to change this evil is to occupy the young person's time with what benefits them religiously and worldly, and to alert them to use modern technologies for beneficial purposes, while explaining the religious ruling to them and encouraging and deterring them with texts. Assistance from their father can be sought. Destroying forbidden devices with the intention of changing a reprehensible act incurs no sin if it does not lead to a greater harm. It is preferable to erase their content and record educational lessons, and return them if possible, while avoiding lies and using double entendre.