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OMMENT
8 October 2004
PRESS RELEASE
London based Institute of Islamic Banking and Insurance has called unto question the ascertain of some publications that Islam prohibits investments in armament and cinema industries.
The official monthly magazine of the Institute, New Horizon, has commented that the stand taken by some Islamic publications are misleading and shall cause confusion.
Islam’s stand on these issues is clear. Investment in these sectors is not only permissible but also essential.
On Armaments
The Holy Qur’an says (verse 60 Surah Al –Anfal) that defence of Islam and Muslim lands is a sacred duty of all Muslims. While Islam stands for peace foremost, it also enjoins Muslims to be ever ready to deter and repulse aggression. To fulfil this duty, the Muslims countries should:
Develop their defence potentials to the maximum.
Strive for the earliest achievement of self-sufficiency in defence production
Establish the closest possible cooperation in every field of defence activity
While the Geneva Conventions spelled out explicit guidelines for the conduct of war and the humane treatment of war prisoners in the 20th century, Islam established such specific rules 1,400 years ago; so as to avoid injuring non-combatants, caring for the captured combatants and prohibiting any form of abuse or torture.
On Cinemas
Another issue is the investment in Cinema, which some believe is not permitted in Islam. Cinema is, like any other medium of conveying moving image, one of the best mediums to reach the masses. It is also important keeping in mind the low levels of literacy, which, unfortunately, encompasses the majority of the Muslim world at the moment. Of course, as with any other permitted form of communication, Cinema must be used to convey education, religion and decent enjoyment. It must not be used to promote films which spread immorality, violence and other socially detrimental messages.
The Institute would like to state that the above points are not a blanket approval and each case should be judged on its individual merit. Further clarifications are of course available from the Institute.
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