Q: Many people read fictional novels as a pastime. What is the ruling regarding this? Why is it impermissible? Please explain in detail.
A: It is a known and proven fact that the type of literature a person comes into contact with plays an important role in shaping the mindset of a person and influencing his behaviour and conduct. Apart from this, most of the authors of these novels are unscrupulous people whose ways are immoral. They do not subscribe to any set of rules or principles and hence the direction a person receives through reading such literature is to adopt the same line of thought and action. The next thing one realizes is that one’s whole outlook towards life has changed and the entire value system of Islam has been corroded from the core. Hence the irreparable damage these novels do to the Imaan and deen of a person is uncomprehendable and unbelievable. In many cases through reading these novels (e.g. harry potter, etc.) peoples Imaan was shattered and the fundamental beliefs of their faith were destroyed. We make dua that Allah Ta’ala guides the ummah towards the path of the Sunnah.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
أبا بردة بن أبي موسى عن أبيه رضي الله عنه قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم مثل الجليس الصالح والجليس السوء كمثل صاحب المسك وكير الحداد لا يعدمك من صاحب المسك إما تشتريه أو تجد ريحه وكير الحداد يحرق بدنك أو ثوبك أو تجد منه ريحا خبيثة(صحيح البخاري #2101)
عن أبي هريرة قال : قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم الرجل على دين خليله فلينظر أحدكم من يخالل (جامع الترمذي #2378)
عن أبي سعيد أنه سمع رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم يقول لا تصاحب إلا مؤمنا ولا يأكل طعامك إلا تقي (جامع الترمذي #2395)
Answered by:
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)