I begin with the name of Allaah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.
“Big Brother is a reality game show franchise created by John de Mol, originally broadcast in the Netherlands and subsequently syndicated internationally. In the show, contestants called “housemates” live together in a specifically- constructed house that is isolated from the outside world.” Wikipedia
The theory of moral relativism as postulated by some thinkers could be argued to be partly responsible for the rise in immoral behaviours in various societies. In simple terms, what is immoral or amoral to a group of people can be deeply moral to another group. This has created moral chaos that is plunging humanity to the depth of destruction.
In a religious setting like Nigeria, though questionably spiritual, it would not be an exaggeration if it is hypothesised that what is being promoted and systematically infused in the moral conscience of the viewers of the Big Brother show is simply not in conformity with the accepted standards of morality at least in this part of the world.
Alas! Of what moral gains is such a show to the viewer? Of what nature of productivity can viewing it be classified? How does such a show solve the collective social, marital and spiritual challenges that have plagued the society? Or even of what benefit is it to the viewer in relation to the economic trials that have held the society to ransom?
Furthermore, X-rated activities are being aired in the name of reality show and the society embraces this without a real frown. It has become almost customary to walk into various living rooms and see the Big Brother show on the screen. Ordinarily, concerned parents will dread seeing their children watching X-rated videos but it seems normal to watch BB because it has been well packaged and delivered to the centre of various homes.
The desperation to follow in the footsteps of others blindly has relegated the cultural baggage of the African society to the tail end, making it alluring to import alien cultures. Ibn al-Jawzi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “To imitate is to suspend the use of the intellect whereas the intellect was created for thinking and reasoning.” Undoubtedly Big Brother Nigeria is a reprehensive imitation.
As humans who have been equipped with an equal capability for moral, spiritual and material attainments, there is an inherent need for a sober reflection on the slippery slope upon which the human race is retrogressing morally. BB has eaten deep into the moral fabric of the society: the family unit. Children, mothers and sadly fathers glued to TV sets watching BB, leaving behind an unfortunate legacy for the next generation.
Islamically, humans are constantly cautioned against the misuse of faculty of hearing, seeing and thinking perhaps because these are gateways to a morally sound society. The gifts of hearing, seeing and thinking are meant to be protected and guarded against spiritual viruses making their rounds in the society. The aim is to use these faculties in ways approved by the Giver (Allaah Exalted be He).
Allaah Exalted be He, in His inimitable style reminds humanity on the obligation of strengthening the moral fabric of the society using the above listed gifts by provoking human thoughts through its opposite. He says: “Verily, the hearing, and the sight, and the heart of each of those ones will be questioned (by Allaah).” Qur’an 17:36 and the Prophet ﷺ was reported to have said in Sahih al-Bukhari that: “The eye commits Zina (fornication, adultery) and its Zina is looking (at forbidden things).”
Giving people the benefit of the doubt, just maybe some of those found in the business of mortgaging their moral strength by watching immoral shows like the BB might be oblivious of the negative ripple effect it has on them as individuals and the society as a whole. In a 2011 news release of the Academy of Finland it is stated that: “The usual processing of other people’s nude bodies is enhanced in the brain, and that it is possibly beneficial in identifying potential mating partners and competitors, and for triggering sexual behavior.” If this is true as it seems, then it answers the question of the possible causative factor in the rise of rapists and adulterers and fornicators. Watching shows like this disorients the moral bearing of the viewers.
However, humans have been equipped with the tool of free will to choose whether to watch or not to. There is always the Satanic whispering battling to silence the angelic inspiration in people. When humanity is gathered before the Lord of all the Exist, there will not be room to accept any excuse offered. People will seek to blame the leaders of immorality for their woes but to no avail. Allaah Exalted be He, informs of the blame circle that will be created on the Day of Judgement between these two groups.
He says: “…but if you could see when the wrongdoers will be made to stand before their Lord, how they will cast the (blaming) word one to another. Those who were deemed weak will say to those who were arrogant: “Had it not been for you, we should certainly have been believers! And those who were arrogant will say to those who were oppressed, “Did we avert you from guidance after it had come to you? Rather, you (yourselves) were criminals.” Qur’an 34:31-32
O humanity! Give up watching this immoral show, out of the fear of punishment of Allaah and regret the moments you spent watching it and be sincere in your resolve never to return to watching it again, In shaa Allaah, Allaah will be pleased with you.
In conclusion, know that big brother show is nothing but a glorified big brothel show.
Twitter: @Penabdull Instagram:@Penabdul
