Is it permissible to go to public places such as libraries and cafes that contain hanging pictures or statues, or where music is played and cannot be stopped?

The rulings concerning attending public places where reprehensible acts occur vary depending on the nature of the place and the necessity of being there:

1. Essential Places (such as hospitals and means of transportation): People are not prohibited from attending them due to the presence of reprehensible acts. However, one must avoid as much of the reprehensible acts as possible, visually and audibly, and seek forgiveness for what could not be avoided. The Companions acted similarly. Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: "The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: (When you go to relieve yourselves, do not face the Qiblah nor turn your backs to it, whether for urination or defecation. Instead, turn to the east or west.) Abu Ayyub said: We came to Syria and found latrines built facing the Qiblah. So, we would turn away from them and seek Allah's forgiveness." Narrated by Muslim (264). The Permanent Committee has issued a fatwa permitting riding in a bus with music if there is a need, while disapproving of the reprehensible act in one's heart.

2. Places whose original purpose is to display reprehensible acts (such as musical concerts): Attending them is forbidden because they are founded on reprehensible acts and the mixing of men and women. Furthermore, attending them constitutes cooperation in sin and a waste of money and time. Allah the Almighty says: (Indeed, those who like that immorality should be spread among those who have believed - they will have a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter.) An-Nur/19.

3. Permissible Recreational Places (such as public parks): It is permissible to attend them if one does not partake in the reprehensible acts present there, while striving to enjoin good and forbid evil as much as possible, and seeking out times and places with fewer reprehensible acts. Advice and guidance should be offered to those who can be reached. Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said: "Enjoining and forbidding relate to listening by choice, not merely hearing, just as with seeing, it relates to intentionally looking, not what occurs unintentionally."