Fatwa ID: 08185

Answered by: Maulana Kawsar Ahmed

Question:

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

It is haram to watch movies or TV series that maybe talk about the FBI, crime, drugs, and stuff like that if it doesn’t invalidate my iman, and the pillars of Islam. I mean even with video games, if I watch a movie/TV series like that or play a video game where you have to steal and do crimes, but I’m old enough not to do that stuff in real life, is it haram? I pray all prayers every day, fast during Ramadan, and I am a believer. Thank you, Allah be with you.

Answer:

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Firstly, it is important to recognize that a person can watch inappropriate things or do sins, and their Iman will not become void by doing so. However, it may become weaker and be affected negatively, but it will not become void.

With regards to TV shows and movies, because of the high likelihood and probability that they will contain music and indecent dressing of men and women, our general advice would be to avoid the consumption of such content. Instead, try to pass your time by watching beneficial things, such as stories of the Prophets, motivational and educational speeches, etc.

As for your question pertaining to video games, provided that the specific game does not contain any inappropriate content and does not lead an individual to become neglectful of their religious duties and obligations, it would be allowed to play such video games.

In closing, we would generally advise that a person does not spend too much time engaging in hobbies or activities that are devoid of any real benefit. Instead, try to busy yourself with that which is good for your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being, so you can utilize your time in the best possible manner.

Ibn Abbas reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said,
“Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your illness, your riches before your poverty, your free time before your work, and your life before your death.”[1]

Only Allah knows best.

Written by: Maulana Kawsar Ahmed
Checked and approved by: Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham

[1]
عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ
اغْتَنِمْ خَمْسًا قَبْلَ خَمْسٍ: شَبَابَكَ قَبْلَ هَرَمِكَ وَصِحَّتَكَ قَبْلَ سَقَمِكَ وَغِنَاكَ قَبْلَ فَقْرِكَ وَفَرَاغَكَ قَبْلَ شُغُلِكَ وَحَيَاتَكَ قَبْلَ مَوْتِكَ
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