Q: Honored scholars, I am sure that you are well aware of the
intensive intellectual invasion encountered by the Muslim and Arab Ummah (nation based on one creed)
that aims to westernization and shaking Islamic foundations and principles. It also aims to transfer cultural practices, superstitions and myths of the advanced world with all its mores and ideas to the people of this region and squeeze their resources through such vanities and trivialities.Muslim children are the main target of an unmanageable torrent from such invading cultures through animated movies shown on satellite channels. The role played by such channels is integrated and given more effectiveness by businesses which in cooperation with foreign companies deepen the practical effect of the relationship between children and animated characters by attractively flooding the markets with below-cost child-related goods, such as toys, tools, briefcases, stickers, pictures, animated character logos and so on. (Part No. 11; Page No. 58) Under children insistence, parents rush to buy such goods heedless of the negative effect of such logos and pictures on children's character, culture and concerns.Nowadays, an animated movie dubbed into Arabic (Pokémon), telling the story of strange creatures doing extraordinary things and developing from one form to another, has become a noticeable and dangerous obsession. It has been merchandized into Pokémon products, including balls, trading cards, candy, stickers, school briefcases and tools all of which bear pictures and logos of Pokémon characters and its forms.What is the ruling on buying, selling and exchanging Pokémon products and goods? How do our reverend Shaykhs advise us regarding such products? What is the ruling on watching such movies? May Allah reward you with the best for benefiting us, Islam and the Muslims. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.
A:
It is impermissible to buy or sell goods and products of the abovementioned movie because this involves consuming people's money unjustly and cooperation in sin and transgression. It also involves bringing up children to be heedless and idle and promotion of unlawful pictures in addition to other prohibited things. Therefore, people should be warned not to do so or cooperate with those who do so. (Part No. 11; Page No. 59) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.