Dr. Husam al-Din Ibn Musa `Afana, a professor of Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence at Al-Quds University, Palestine, states the following: “Indeed, it is prohibited to trade in Video Films that is widely spread in local markets, which display x-rated and detective films that encourage people and entice them to commit that which is Haram and disseminate vice and help spread crimes.
This ruling goes far to encompass all forms of selling, buying, hiring and even giving gifts. The reason behind such prohibition is the disintegration and chaos that those films cause when they spread like a wild fire among Muslims. Allah Almighty says, “Lo! those who love that slander should be spread concerning those who believe, theirs will be a painful punishment in the world and the Hereafter. Allah knoweth. Ye know not.” (An-Nur: 19)
Also, trading in such films is a form of co-operation on sin and transgression, which is Haram. Referring to this, Allah Almighty says, “… but help ye one another unto righteousness and pious duty. Help not one another unto sin and transgression, but keep your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is severe in punishment…” (Al-Maidah: 2)
Another important point I would like to clarify here is that it is not permissible for owners of those shops to rent them out to people who will use them for trading in such Video Films.
Finally, if there are films that help spread virtue, publish educational, historical, scientific and medical programs that do not run counter to the Shari`ah, then there is nothing wrong in trading in them and circulating them as well.”
It has become clear now that not all the Video Films are Haram. What is Haram is to trade in films that disseminate vice and entice youth to commit that which is Haram. However, films that deliver a good informative message that goes in harmony with the teachings of Islam are Halal and trading in them is also Halal.