A Muslim from Netherlands asks at Islamonline whether it is permissible to for Muslims to read romance novels. Umm, why is it even a question?
But what answer does the scholar give? He says that Muslims should only read about things which are
beneficial, so his daughter is encouraged to read about the Islamic
battles, & advices the reader to do the same so that her urge to read romance novels disappears.
Here's the fatwa!
Question and Answer Details
Name of Questioner
Heba - Antilles Netherlands
Title
Reading Romantic Novels
Question
As-Salamu `Alaykum! Is it permitted to read romantic novels?
Date
14/Jan/2004
Name of Counsellor
`Abdul-Fattah `Ashoor
Topic
Poetry, Arts & Literature, Morals & Values
Answer
Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Dear sister in Islam, we are very pleased for the great confidence you repose in us and we really commend your apparent interest in having a better understanding of the teachings of Islam and the rulings of this great religion in all matters. In fact, Islam is a religion that encompasses all aspects of life and secures guidance and light for all mankind.
As for your question,
a Muslim is best advised to engage in what is beneficial for him and to avoid what may waste his time or arouse his sexual desires.
Answering the question, Dr. `Abdul-Fattah `Ashoor, professor of Exegesis of the Qur'an, issues the following Fatwa:
"Reading books have many benefits. A Muslim should read that which is beneficial to him. It stands to reason that the Muslim should avoid reading romantic novels that only arouse sexual desires and ignite lust in him/her. This is due to the fact that reading such things will fill him/her with temptation and drive him/her away from remembering Almighty Allah.
Reading romantic novels may be dangerous in the same way as films are, as both may contain expressions about immoral people and immoral practices that are forbidden for a Muslim.
So, I advise my dear daughter to read the history of Prophets and to ponder over verses of the Glorious Qur?an as well as the biography of Prophets, something extensively dealt with in the Qur?an.
I advise her also to read the history of Islamic battles, etc. Getting her mind engrossed with these noble readings, she will find herself in no need for reading such novels." You can also read:
Writing Fiction & Poetry: What Does Islam Say?
May Allah guide you to the straight path and direct you to that which pleases Him, Amen.
Allah Almighty knows best.
So reading romance novels is harmful & haram, but Islamic Battles are beneficial?
Topic: Great Fatwa from Islamonline! Read about jihad, not love!