Fatwa ID: 09316
Answered by Maulana Nahid Uddin
Question:
Is it permissible to sell superhero comic books (Marvel/DC) that we got for free for volunteering?
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
If the comic books were given to you as a gift in return for volunteering and ownership was transferred to you, they are your lawful property, and you may sell them. Allah ﷻ says, ‘And Allah has permitted trade’ (Surah Al-Baqarah) (1). This verse establishes the general permissibility of trade. In the Hanafi school, once a gift is validly received and possession is taken (qabd), full ownership is established. Thus, from the perspective of ownership and sale, there is no prohibition in selling what you rightfully own.
Nonetheless, the content of what is sold must also be considered. If the comic books (such as those produced by major publishers like Marvel Comics or DC Comics) contain elements clearly contrary to Islamic beliefs—such as shirk, mockery of prophets, explicit immorality, or indecent imagery- then selling them will fall under assisting in sin and will be impermissible. Allah SWT says, ‘And do not assist one another in sin and transgression’ (Surah Al-Maidah) (2).
The Hanafi jurists state that it is impermissible to sell items whose primary use is haram, such as wine. In addition, if the predominant content is harmful or promotes false beliefs and immorality, then refraining from selling would be more cautious. If, however, the comics are largely fictional entertainment without clear haram elements, and are not specifically promoting disbelief or immorality, then the sale remains permissible in principle, though a believer is encouraged to prefer what is spiritually beneficial. All in all, the ruling depends on the content: lawful ownership permits sale, but if the material clearly spreads prohibited matters, selling it would not be allowed.
Only Allah ﷻ knows best.
Written by Maulana Nahid Uddin
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
References:
(1)
وَأَحَلَّ اللَّهُ الْبَيْعَ
Surah Al-Baqarah, A275
(2)
وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ
Surah Al-Mā’idah, A2
(3)
ثم في قوله حرم بيعه إيماء إلى أنه فاسد وبه صرح في (الجامع الصغير) وفيه أنه لو أكله لا يقال: إنه أكل حراماً لأنه أكل مال نفسه إلا أنه أثم لتركه ما أمر به من
ص464 – كتاب النهر الفائق شرح كنز الدقائق – باب التولية – المكتبة الشاملة
وفي النوازل: يجوز بيع الحيتان إذا كان ينتفع بها في الأدوية، وإن لم ينتفع به لا يجوز
ص194 – كتاب معراج الدراية في شرح الهداية – مسائل منثورة – المكتبة الشاملة