It goes without saying that selling newspapers and magazines is basically permissible, but it is rendered prohibited if it leads to psychological, moral, rational or social degeneration, such as magazines that spread immorality and depravity and call for undermining all religious and moral values in the society.
Sheikh Ibn Baz, former Mufti of Saudi Arabia, stated: “It is impermissible to publish magazines and newspapers that show pictures of women or which promote adultery, homosexuality, evil -deeds, or drinking, as well as magazines that incite people to do forbidden deeds. As well as this, it is forbidden to contribute to such magazines whether by writing or by promotion because this would be considered an attempt to spread sin, transgression, and vice in society. In the Holy Qur’an, Allah says: “Help not one another unto sin and transgression, but keep your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is severe in punishment.” (Al-Ma`idah: 2)
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “He who calls (people) to righteousness, there is a reward (assured) for him like the reward of those who adhered to it, without their reward being diminished in any respect. And he who calls (people) to error, shall have to carry (the burden) of its sin, like those who committed it, without their sins being diminished in any respect.” (Reported by Muslim)
Moreover, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “There are two types amongst the denizens of Hell the one possessing whips like the tail of an ox and they flog people with their help. (The second one) the women who are naked in spite of their being dressed, who are seduced (to wrong paths) and seduce others with their hair high like humps. These women would not enter Paradise and they would not even smell its odour, although its fragrance can be perceived from such and such distance (from a great distance).” (Reported by Muslim). There are many other Qur’anic verses and Hadiths to that effect.
We implore Allah to guide the Muslims to what is best for them, and to guide the people in the mass media and similar affairs to do what is best for the society as a whole. Furthermore, we ask Allah to protect those in the mass media from the whisperings of Satan.”