Is one sinful for watching documentary films with the intention of contemplating creation if women appear in them and one is compelled to avert one's gaze and fast-forward the scene to avoid them?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
If the viewer can avoid religious prohibitions in films, such as lowering the gaze and fast-forwarding through scenes, then there is no harm in watching them, especially if this is coupled with good intention and the purpose of reflection. If, in addition to that, one engages in glorification (Tasbeeh) and exalting (Tahleel) while watching, that would be commendable and rewarded.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/182795
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 182795
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy