Fatwa ID: 03244

Answered by: Maulana Jamal Ahmed

Question

I am a 20-year-old girl. I have the habit of daydreaming whenever I am free or alone. This type of daydreaming does not distract me from doing obligatory deeds like offering salah on time. Also, I do not have any issues when someone is addressing me (I am able to pay attention).

I don't think about any haram things while daydreaming. I just do it in order to avoid sinful acts like watching TV and listening to music. It also helps me to avoid negative thoughts which creep into my mind when I start overthinking about the real day to day matters. One of the main reasons, I daydream is to beat loneliness because I don't have friends and I don't talk a lot. Again, I don't waste my time when I get into this imaginary world, which just lasts for a few minutes, but I am worried if it carries sins.

Is this type of daydreaming sinful? If it is, how should I stop Daydreaming because I've been doing this since childhood?

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

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

Answer:

On the authority Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allah said, “Part of someone being a good Muslim is his leaving alone that which does not concern him.” Narrated by Tirmizi.  (Sharhul Arbaeen, hadith no. 12, pg. 94.)  In another hadith, the Messenger of Allah has said: “Be eager upon those things which benefit you.” Muslim (Mishkat, hadith no. 5298, vol.2, pg. 264, Darul Kutub al Ilmiyah.)

As long as the daydreaming does not interfere with the discharging of the religious obligations and the daydreaming itself does not consist of sinful things, then there should be no sin in it.

However, if this daydreaming is not serving any purpose of its own then it will be classed as engaging in matters which do not benefit in this world nor in the hereafter, thus, it will be a waste of time. 

Instead of daydreaming about things of which do not concern you with regards to this world nor the hereafter, you can divert this towards reflecting on the greatness of Allah, his merciful nature, his wisdom which is displayed in the design of the universe and the way he deals with the creatures and his infinite knowledge and power etc. 

You can also use this time in planning how to lead your life according to Islam. Consider enrolling onto one of the courses which we provide. (www.darul-ilm.co.uk) 

Only Allah knows best.

Written by Maulana Jamal Ahmed

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham