Dear questioner,
Thank you for your important question.
May Allah, Most High, reward you for your desire to increase in knowledge.
Watching animated television, as long as the content is lawful, is permissible.
If the cartoon promotes unlawful content in Islam, then watching, it would be impermissible. i.e., Using foul language, etc.
Regardless of its permissibility, it is not something that the Sacred Law recommends due to it not having intrinsic benefit. Watching cartoons to relax is understood, but it should not become something that constantly takes away from one’s time.
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:
“There are two blessings in which many people incur a loss. They are health and free time“ (Bukhari, al-Sahih)
“The feet of the son of Adam shall not move from before his Lord on the Day of Judgement, until he is asked about five things: about his life and what he did with it, about his youth and what he wore it out in, about his wealth and how he earned it and spent it upon, and what he did with what he knew.” (Tirmidhi, al-Sunan)
Imam al-Ghazali mentions: Every single breath of yours is a priceless jewel because it is irreplaceable; once it is gone, there is no return for it. So do not be like fools who rejoice each day as their wealth increases while their lives decrease.
(Ghazali, Bidayatul Hidaya)
Using that which is permitted in the sacred law as a means of relaxation is good. However, it should only be limited to that and not become a custom or habit that distracts us from our life’s purpose; Getting to know and worship our creator.
And Allah alone knows best,
[Ustadh] Omar Popal
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani