Fatwa ID: 04964

Answered by: Imam Abdul-Malik Sheikh

Question:

I want to know that if one reads fanfiction, not fiction (like a person who is living and a public figure) in which he may be depicted in a number of ways like some actors or for example from a movie the whole cast on which diff stories are written. Another example of 7 people who are famous on tv and one reads the novel in which one of them may be regarded as the lead in which he may also be partnered with someone whose name is not given and instead, y/n is given but one does not regard it to anyone and the person may be depicted as an astronaut is it against the person’s right to use his name as such if that person is not sexualized but romance may be depicted

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

Answer:

Generally speaking, there is no objection to reading novels and fan fiction. There is a juristic principle which states:

“The basic rule in matters is permissible”

People may read to improve their literary skills or familiarise themselves with the history and culture of where they live.

However, having said this, your intention should not simply be to pass time. On the day of judgment, Allāh will ask about our time and knowledge. The Messenger of Allāh (May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

“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 No.2416)

Only Allah knows best

Written by Imam Abdul-Malik Sheikh

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham