Giving up watching videos
Q: Previously I asked about looking at digital photography and the answer was it is impermissible. So now, as a person who watches it often on YouTube for various ilm and also for research and enjoyment, how do I give it up? It’s not that easy to just give it up overnight and as a person who video calls often, what are some advices for me to stop this habit?
I’m not in a situation where I am watching any women or anything, it’s generally some reviews by men or bayaans and lectures.
A: There are many severe warnings sounded in the mubaarak Ahaadith for those who perpetrate the grave sin of photography and picture making. Among these Ahaadith are the following:
Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said, “The people to be inflicted with the worst punishment on the day of Qiyaamah will be the picture makers."
In another Hadith, Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) cursed the one who receives interest, the one who gives interest, the tattooist, the tattooed and the picture maker.
In yet another Hadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said that the angels of mercy do not enter a home in which there is a picture of an animate object.
When photography has been declared haraam and forbidden in shariah, and there are so many severe warnings sounded in the mubaarak Ahaadith for those who perpetrate this grave sin, then a believer should ponder and think whether he has the courage to withstand the punishment of Allah Ta'ala in the hereafter for committing such grave sins.
Insha Allah, by daily pondering over this, there is hope that you will realize the severity of this sin and leave it out for the sake of Allah Ta'ala.
One effective method of making taubah which is prescribed by our mashaaikh is that a person should regularly meditate over death and the events that will follow after death. You should meditate at a time when your mind is at ease and you do not have any disturbances, perhaps after Esha Salaah before retiring to bed.
You should commence by making wudhu and performing two rakaats of salaah and then focus deeply over death and the events that will follow after death, the loneliness of the grave, standing before Allah Ta'ala for reckoning, Jannah and Jahannum and thereafter think to yourself, can I tolerate Jahannum for a single moment. When I cannot, then how can I be brazen about matters that will take me to Jahannum.
Reprimand yourself saying that you are enjoying the comforts of Allah Ta`ala and His favours during the day and night, and is this the way to show appreciation to the one who is so loving and caring. Explain to yourself that the one who leads this type of life really does not have any understanding of loyalty and faithfulness to the one who is most loving and beneficent towards him. Apart from this, you should remain in pious company at all times and refrain from all areas of doubt and sin.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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