Introduction
In today’s entertainment world, many movies contain elements that can negatively impact Imaan (faith). While some films promote good moral values, others include Haram (forbidden) content such as nudity, romance, bad language, and un-Islamic messages.
As Muslims, we must choose entertainment wisely and ensure that what we watch aligns with Islamic principles. But how can we know if a movie is Haram or Halal?
This checklist for Muslims will help you analyze any movie before watching it to ensure it is permissible in Islam.
🔍 1. Does the Movie Contain Nudity or Immodest Dressing?
📌 Islamic Ruling:
- Islam strictly forbids nudity and immodesty in any form.
- The Quran commands both men and women to lower their gaze and dress modestly.
“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity…”
(Surah An-Nur 24:30, Source)
✅ Safe Movies: Family-friendly animations, Islamic movies, educational documentaries.
❌ Haram Movies: Hollywood/Bollywood films with inappropriate clothing, romantic scenes.
📌 Check the Movie:
🔹 Read the parental guidance rating (PG, PG-13, R).
🔹 Use Islamic filtering apps like VidAngel to block inappropriate scenes.
🔍 2. Does the Movie Have Romantic or Haram Relationships?
📌 Islamic Ruling:
- Romance before marriage (Zina-related content) is Haram.
- Movies that promote dating, casual relationships, and un-Islamic love stories are not permissible.
“And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is an outrage and an evil way.”
(Surah Al-Isra 17:32, Source)
✅ Safe Movies: Islamic historical films, cartoons, inspiring real-life stories.
❌ Haram Movies: Romantic comedies, dating-centered films, teen dramas.
📌 Check the Movie:
🔹 Read the plot summary before watching.
🔹 If romance is a main theme, avoid it completely.
🔍 3. Does the Movie Have Music and Singing?
📌 Islamic Ruling:
- Music with instruments is a controversial topic, but many scholars consider it Haram if it promotes sinful behavior.
- Background music is permissible if it does not contain inappropriate lyrics or beats that lead to sin.
“And of mankind is he who purchases idle talks (music and singing) to mislead from the path of Allah…”
(Surah Luqman 31:6, Source)
✅ Safe Movies: Islamic nasheeds, movies with minimal background sound.
❌ Haram Movies: Musicals, Bollywood films, movies with nightclub scenes.
📌 Check the Movie:
🔹 Search for “Soundtrack List” before watching.
🔹 Mute or skip scenes with excessive music.
🔍 4. Does the Movie Promote Violence, Crime, or Drugs?
📌 Islamic Ruling:
- Islam prohibits glorification of violence, crime, and drug use.
- Watching movies that normalize killing, theft, or addiction can harm the soul.
“Whoever kills a person…it is as though he has killed all of mankind.”
(Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:32, Source)
✅ Safe Movies: Historical war films that promote justice, educational crime documentaries.
❌ Haram Movies: Gangster films, horror films with extreme violence, drug-related movies.
📌 Check the Movie:
🔹 Read the IMDb parental guide.
🔹 If violence is for entertainment rather than historical accuracy, avoid it.
🔍 5. Does the Movie Contain Bad Language or Disrespect for Religion?
📌 Islamic Ruling:
- Cursing and foul language are forbidden in Islam.
- Mocking Islam or any religion is a serious sin.
“And do not insult those they invoke besides Allah, lest they insult Allah in enmity without knowledge.”
(Surah Al-An’am 6:108, Source)
✅ Safe Movies: Educational documentaries, Islamic content, kid-friendly animations.
❌ Haram Movies: Comedy movies with excessive swearing, films mocking Islam.
📌 Check the Movie:
🔹 Look at the language rating in movie reviews.
🔹 Use filtering services to mute bad words.
🔍 6. Does the Movie Encourage Un-Islamic Ideologies?
📌 Islamic Ruling:
- Movies that promote atheism, feminism against Islamic values, LGBTQ+ themes, or anti-Islamic messages are forbidden.
- Be careful with subtle messages that go against Islamic beliefs.
“And do not follow that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart – about all those [one] will be questioned.”
(Surah Al-Isra 17:36, Source)
✅ Safe Movies: Islamic biopics, historical films, faith-based content.
❌ Haram Movies: Films that normalize Haram ideologies or attack Islamic beliefs.
📌 Check the Movie:
🔹 Research the main themes and reviews before watching.
🔹 If a movie promotes ideas contrary to Islam, avoid it.
✅ Final Checklist: How to Know If a Movie is Haram?
| Question | Haram ❌ | Halal/Safe ✅ |
|---|---|---|
| Does it have nudity or immodest dressing? | Yes | No |
| Does it have romantic or dating themes? | Yes | No |
| Does it contain music and singing? | Yes | No or minimal |
| Does it promote violence, crime, or drugs? | Yes | No |
| Does it contain bad language or religious disrespect? | Yes | No |
| Does it encourage un-Islamic ideologies? | Yes | No |
📌 If the movie checks multiple Haram boxes, avoid watching it!
🚀 Alternative: Where to Watch Halal Movies?
If most movies are Haram, where can Muslims find Islamic-friendly content?
| Platform | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|
| OnePath Network | Islamic documentaries & movies | Visit |
| Alchemiya | Halal historical movies | Visit |
| Muslim Kids TV | Clean cartoons for children | Visit |
| YouTube | Free Islamic content | Visit |
| VidAngel & ClearPlay | Filtering mainstream movies | Visit |
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Movies in Islam
🎥 Not all movies are Haram, but many contain Haram elements.
✅ Use this checklist to analyze any movie before watching.
📖 Replace harmful entertainment with beneficial Islamic content.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever leaves something for the sake of Allah, He will compensate him with something better.”
(Ahmad 22565)
May Allah guide us to make the best choices in our entertainment, Ameen!
Also Check:
• What Type of Movies Can Muslims Watch?
• How to Filter Haram Content in Movies? Safe Watching Tips
