The not-so holy month: Ramadan dramas accused of causing moral decay

Despite Ramadan being a season for worship that encourages Muslims to not sin and strengthen their faith, many satellite channel operators have been accused of doing the opposite. They are exerting efforts to convert this spiritual season to that of immorality and decadence.

They are accused of enticing the Kingdom’s youth into watching TV serials and programs that spoil their values and morals. Amid the proliferation of such satellite channels, the Ummah is now in need of channels that highlight the reality and immorality targeting the youth. These channels should be a source of spiritual and moral strength, Al-Madinah daily reported quoting religious leaders.

Scholars and religious callers say that today’s society is witnessing an intellectual war in which immoral channels are trying to keep communities away from their values, hopes and ambitions.

Sheikh Abdulrahman Abdulaziz Al-Sudais, president of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, said some people view Ramadan as month of hunger and thirst while others view it as a month for consuming tasty food and an opportunity to stay up all night. People in the latter category watch satellite channels and surf the Internet instead of spending their time engrossed in worship.

“Muslims should receive Ramadan by thanking Allah Almighty and being happy with this great season. They should repent for all their sins. They should stop injustice and give every person his or her due rights. They should begin a sincere soul-searching journey and benefit from the days and nights of the holy month. In this way, their aspired hopes are achieved,” he said.

Adnan Noori Al-Harbi, deputy dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Umm Al-Qura University, said: “Undoubtedly, keeping people, especially the youth, preoccupied with sitcoms and soap operas during the holy month of Ramadan is a serious matter that aims to spoil their morals. There ought to be a clear role for the family, school, universities, the authorities concerned, religious callers, educators and sociologists. They should focus on preventive education because satellite channels have started losing professionalism in presenting the content that suits the mentality of the audience. What remains is the commercial aspect that does not respect viewers’ mentalities or their values,” he said.

Hassan Ali Al-Hajjaji, director of the Imams and Religious Callers Institute at the Muslim World League (MWL), said increasing awareness and guiding youths is society’s collective responsibility.

“This includes the father, mother, extended family and elder sons and daughters as well as teachers, administrators and society in general with all its institutions. All these groups should bear their responsibility to create awareness among the youth and guide them. The youth need guidance and awareness because they do not have the experience to distinguish between what is right and wrong. They are in need of someone to create awareness among them in this regard,” he said.

Ali Bin Bardi Al-Zahrani, dean of Students’ Affairs at Umm Al-Qura University, said Ramadan is a month of worship, obedience and an opportunity to please Allah Almighty. “Worship is not exclusive to this month but the acts of worship increase in Ramadan. A person should keep away from hearing or watching whatever violates the spirit of the month.”