Is reading novels allowed in islam?

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Assalaamu `alaykum waRahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

In principle, it is permissible to read novels and other literature provided that the contents are in conformity with the Sharī'ah and Islāmic etiquettes.  Literature which contains vulgarity, promotes immorality, or glorifies that which Allāh has forbidden should not be read.  For example, some famous current day novels glorify magic and sorcery to children, while others promote promiscuousness and adultery amongst adults.  Such novels are detrimental to one's īmān and are not permissible to read. 

On the other hand, it is permissible to read literature which does not contain un-Islāmic content, but, rather, enhances a person's knowledge or provides some other benefit.

And Allah knows best

Wassalamu Alaikum

Ml. Abrar Mirza,
Student Darul Iftaa

Checked and Approved by:

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Darul Iftaa