Can one read fiction?

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

Reading does not only help individuals but is important for the society as a whole. Well-read people are knowledgeable, wiser and can work better for the development of the society. [i]

A well-written piece of literature has the potential to have a positive impact on one’s mental and psychological state. It may change a person’s behaviour and conduct and may guide between what is right and wrong, moral and immoral, acceptable and outright unethical.

Many books of fiction contain elements of Kufr, Shirk, vulgarity, immorality, falsely portraying truths, pictures of animate beings, love stories, and stories that serve no benefit other than entertainment.

In principle, one may read fiction to increase his linguistic skills on condition the reading does not affect his Imani (religious) values and thinking. If a person reading fiction; or any other series; starts to revere, admire and become in awe of Kufr, he should stop as this is in conflict with a Muslim’s beliefs.

Nowadays, there is a wide range of Islamic literature accessible to the public. Books on Islamic history and other pertinent Islamic sciences have gained worldwide recognition by Muslim and Non-Muslim figures.

We advise you to spend your time reading Islamic books. This will assist you in both your spiritual and worldly affairs.

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Mohamed Ebrahim bin Ismail Abdullah

Student - Darul Iftaa

Pietermaritzburg, KZN, South Africa 

Checked and Approved by,

Mufti Ebrahim Desai.

24-03-1442|10-11-2020

[i] https://www.indiacelebrating.com/paragraph/paragraph-on-importance-of-good-reading-habits/