KARACHI: Geo News aired the documentary “Safar-e-Ishq” with a short symbolic and faceless visual depiction, which was not only against our editorial policy but also against our faith, belief and religious sentiments. The organization immediately apologized for this mistake, and it was broadcast constantly and immediate action was taken against those responsible. Pakistan’s prominent scholars have expressed their opinions on this issue.
Chairman Quran-o-Sunnah Movement Pakistan Allama Ibtisam Elahi Zaheer has said that it is unacceptable and impermissible for any broadcaster, anchor or podcaster to present sketches or faceless images of the Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) or other prophets (peace be upon them) in any programme, whether intentionally or not.
He said this act is highly condemnable and hurts the religious sentiments of Muslims. However, if the relevant broadcaster, anchor or podcaster clearly explains that this incident was unintentional and unintended, apologizes unconditionally, takes effective legal action against those responsible, and gives the assurance that such a lapse will not occur in future, then he can be given a chance on the basis of reform, caution and future practical steps. However, even after this, it will be necessary for the relevant institutions, anchors and podcasters to make their editorial supervision, investigation system and standards of responsibility more effective so that such an incident does not happen again in the future.
A well-known religious scholar and head of Markaz Uloom-ul-Quran, Clifton, Karachi, Mufti Muhammad Naveed Abbasi, has said in his statement that any kind of pictorial or visual depiction of Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), other prophets (peace be upon them), the honorable companions of the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah be pleased with them all), the mothers of the believers and the family of the Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), even if the purpose is reverence, devotion or goodwill, is not permissible according to Sharia.
He says it is necessary to completely avoid it because it is against the religious sensitivity and sanctity of sacred places. A documentary programme aired on Geo News, with a symbolic visual depiction of Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and his grandsons, Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain (may Allah be pleased with them), which was not permissible at all in terms of Sharia and religion, according to religious scholars. However, it is also clear that the institution, taking notice of this matter, removed the relevant content from all platforms, admitted its mistake, apologized, took action against the responsible individuals, and announced corrective measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
He says that according to Islamic teachings, if an individual or institution commits a mistake, then it admits its mistake, takes practical steps to correct it and compensate for it, then accepting its apology is also a requirement of Islamic ethics. At the same time, it should always be kept in mind that protecting the honour of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), respecting his companions, the mothers of the believers, and the family (may Allah be pleased with them all) is an essential requirement of the faith of every Muslim. In these sacred matters, complete caution and utmost respect should be given priority.
At the same time, it should always be kept in mind that the protection of Namoos-e-Risalat (PBUH), the veneration of the Prophets (peace be upon them), and the respect for Sahaba, Ummahat-ul-Momineen and Ahl-e-Bayt (may Allah be pleased with them all) is an essential requirement of faith of every Muslim.
In these sacred matters, complete caution and utmost respect should be given priority at all times. Similarly, it is also important that such sensitive matters not be made a source of political interests, institutional rivalries or group conflicts, but rather the requirements of reform, accountability and justice be observed in the light of fairness, wisdom, honesty and Islamic ethics.
Eminent religious scholar Mufti Muhammad Hanif Qureshi said in his statement that the depiction in a symbolic and visual manner is not permissible. However, he said, the fact is also evident that the institution took notice of the matter without delay, removed the relevant content from all platforms, admitted its mistake, apologised, took action against the responsible individuals and announced corrective measures to prevent such matters in future.
It is a good thing that today, once again, through advertisements, the owners of the company admitted their administrative weakness, and repented and sought forgiveness from Allah.
According to Islamic teachings, if an individual or institution commits a mistake that is forgivable, then it admits its mistake, takes practical steps to correct and compensate for it, and repents and seeks forgiveness with its regret, then accepting its apology is also obligatory according to Islamic teachings.
The apology and repentance of Geo’s owners and management for their shortcomings is a commendable act. Allah loves those who repent. We appreciate it and pray that Allah accepts their apology and repentance.
