Does the ruling on lowering the gaze truly apply to cartoon films? And is it obligatory to lower the gaze from cartoon women, even if they are veiled? Is it permissible to watch films or news while lowering the gaze when women appear in them, or should one refrain from watching them altogether? What is the ruling on following programs that contain music, while muting the sound when it appears? And is it permissible to continue watching cartoons or other programs after averting the gaze from impermissible (Sharia-violating) elements?

Some contemporary scholars differentiate between looking at images of women and looking at animated (cartoon) images of women. They permit looking at cartoon images when there is no fear of temptation (fitna) and no arousal of desire. The general rule is to prohibit watching and listening to films and programs that contain music or images of unveiled women. However, if there is a need to watch or listen to such content due to its benefit, it is permissible, provided one lowers their gaze when women appear and mutes the sound of music. What occurs unintentionally in this regard is likely to be pardoned. But if there is no benefit in watching or listening to content that includes forbidden elements, then it remains under the original prohibition.