Following the controversy surrounding the film "Aṣḥāb wa Lā Aʿz" starring Egyptian actress Mona Zaki, the Global Fatwa Center of Al-Azhar issued a statement affirming that awakened consciences drive their bearers towards enlightened creativity that builds nations, improves morals, and achieves security and stability in communities.
It added that rebellion against virtue and denial of the healthy values of society through systematic plots and campaigns are neither freedom nor liberation nor creativity, but rather corruption and weakening of societies, plunging them into the mud of vice. The center indicated that participation in spreading and trivializing depravity in the eyes of the public is a sin that disseminates evils and crimes, threatening the values, security, and stability of society.
Al-Azhar continued by stating that distorting religious concepts and ethical values for the sake of provoking controversy and increasing fame and views is a selfish and disgusting utilitarianism that negatively affects the integrity, discipline, and peace of society. It affirmed that bad examples in societies are not celebrated, nor is there sympathy for their mistakes; instead, their actions are despised, and people are warned against them.
The Fatwa Center at Al-Azhar stressed that creating inspiring role models and illuminating positive, honorable examples is one of the essential roles of the media in building national awareness, improving the morals of youth, and reducing crime. Distorting the meaning of role models spreads moral decay, falsifies awareness, and corrupts human nature. Furthermore, it noted that verbal vulgarity is neither boldness nor courage, but rather a vile trait, contrary to human nature and public decency.
It clarified that adultery in all its forms is an unjustifiable crime, and justifying it is also a crime. The center continued by stating that the unlawful relationship between a man and a woman constitutes a forbidden act of adultery, recognized as one of the major sins, and attempting to improve or normalize it is a waste of rights, a destruction of societies, and a flagrant violation of Islamic teachings.
It emphasized that sexual deviancy is a heinous vice, a repulsive moral decay, a violation of religious teachings, and a regression from healthy human nature, and the normalization and promotion of it distort our identity and jeopardize the security of our communities, as well as dismantle the moral, social fabric and the institution of the family.
The center concluded its statement by asserting that nourishing minds and souls with what contributes to human development and reinforces the system of values and morals, while preserving our Arab and Islamic identity, is our religious and national duty towards ourselves and our children; it is a trust for which we will be held accountable by God on the Day of Judgment.
