Is watching TV series—despite a prior commitment to avoid them—considered among the steps of Satan and his enticement, and does it entail sin?

The fatwa (definition) advises utilizing time for what benefits a Muslim in this life and the hereafter. The best way to fill one's time, increase faith, and heal hearts is by reading and pondering the Qur’an and remembering Allah, as Allah the Almighty says: "O mankind, there has come to you an admonition from your Lord and a healing for what is in the breasts and guidance and mercy for the believers" (10:57), and His saying: "Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured" (13:28). It also recommends performing night prayers (Qiyam (definition) al-Layl), fasting, and supplicating at dawn to mend the heart and enlighten one's insight. It suggests preparing a program with a friend that includes reciting the Qur'an, remembering Allah, reading beneficial books, and listening to useful tapes, as an alternative to TV series.