Question:
What is the ruling of watching TV while fasting during Ramadhan to past time?
Answer:
The original objective of Ramadhan is to train oneself to acquire taqwa. This state (of taqwa) will only be achieved when a person along with refraining from food, drink and carnal desires also save his/her tongue, ears and eyes from sins. This is why the Messenger of Allah (صلي الله عليه و سلم) specifically warned concerning backbiting and lying while fasting. [i]
In TV, for one, there are pictures, and the ahadith have harshly prohibited from pictures.[ii] The second point is that in TV many indecent scenes constantly appear. And obviously it is a severe sin to look at them. This is why it is compulsory to refrain from watching TV in normal situations, so it is more so necessary while fasting.
(Hazrat Maulana Mufti) Khalid Saifullah Rahmani (May Allah preserve him)
Kitabul Fatawa Vol.3 Pg.382
[i] Abu Dawud # 2362
[ii] Bukhari # 5949 Also see Sunan Nasai Vol.2 Pg.300
