Inquirers: Muhammad Hashimi (IRIB Head), Isma`il Firdawsipour (IRIB Supervisory Board member)
In His Most Exalted Name
As Your Highness know, in some of the TV programs of the Islamic Republic of Iran such as movies and others- both domestic and foreign- there are actresses whose face, neck and hair are sometimes not properly covered as required by the respective role they are playing. Similarly, in some customary sports such as wrestling and soccer some parts of the body of male players are not covered. In a bid to clarify the issue, kindly express your blessed view regarding the following cases:
1. Broadcasting TV programs in which there are actresses whose face, neck and hair have not been properly covered as required by the respective role they play.
2. Broadcasting sports programs such as wrestling and soccer in which some parts of the body of male players are not covered.
3. Watching the abovementioned programs which are shown on the TV.
May God's peace and mercy be upon you.
Muhammad Hashimi
In His Most Exalted Name
Respectfully informing Your Eminence that regarding the broadcasting of some foreign films or domestic production and serials such as Payiz Sahra, Ayeneh and others, as well as broadcasting some music on the radio and TV, there are complaints by the martyr-nurturing nation against IRIB in Supervisory Board on the ground that broadcasting such films, serials as well as music is allegedly contrary to the sacred law of Islam, the lofty objectives of the revolution and the Islamic Republic system, and that allocating a budget to their production is considered wastage, although sometimes they have also educational, entertainment and amusement aspects.
In conforming such cases to your existing edicts in the practical law treatises and Tahrir al-Wasilah and recognizing and distinguishing what is permissible from what is not, there are differences of opinion. Explicit and correct answer cannot be obtained. Differences in taste are unfortunately present and one does not know what to do. Under these sensitive circumstances of war, which is one of the most important issues, what is to be done?
The other point is that when complaints which usually come from the community that enjoys the special attention of the esteemed Imam are relayed to the IRIB executive managers and officials, the latter would say," The Imam- may his sublime presence endure- watches all these programs and listens to the songs. He would point out if there is any problem." Since addressing and answering these complaints and taking urgent steps to eliminate defects are among the legal duties of the Supervisory Board, kindly express Your Eminence's blessed opinion in writing regarding the mentioned cases so that from the beginning of the new term we can perform well our crucial religious and legal duties and would not be held responsible in front of the eminent Imam and the religious nation of Iran.
Isma`il Firdawsipour
In His Most Exalted Name
Watching such films and shows has no religious problem at all. So many of them are educational and showing them has no problem too. Similarly, sports films and songs are mostly permissible. At times, some violations are seen, for which one should be more careful. But two points must be observed: First, those who do the makeup must be mahram «1» and for a non-mahram to do so is unlawful. Second, the viewers should not watch out of lust.
Rouhullah al-Mousawi al-Khomeini