Writing Islamic fictional novels
Q: I am looking at writing novels which are aimed at young children and adults aged from seven years onwards. Fiction novels can enable people and especially children to develop and improve their language skills, vocabulary and understanding of the world. However, reading novels can also be regarded as a waste of time. My novels would promote good morals but will also inevitably contain some sinful notions such as acts of violence or relationships – the novels are aimed at a young audience so these will still be apparent within the novel. I want to ask three questions regarding the above.
1. Is story fiction writing permissible in Islam?
2. If my intention is to write stories with the aim of helping people, especially children, to improve their vocabulary, language skills and understanding of the world, will I be rewarded by Allah Ta'ala?
3. If I derive an income from story writing, will this income be halaal?
A:
1. If the novels do not contain any pictures of animate objects and there is nothing that will corrupt their beliefs, character and thinking, rather it will help them develop and strengthen the right beliefs and values, and make them more concerned about the Aakhirah, etc. it will be permissible. If it contains anything against the Islamic beliefs, morals and values, it will not be permissible.
2. If in the process, people’s Imaan, beliefs, actions and character, etc. have improved, insha-Allah you will be rewarded.
3. Yes.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
عن أنس بن مالك رضي الله عنه قال أتى النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم رجل يستحمله فلم يجد عنده ما يحمله فدله على آخر فحمله فأتى النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم فأخبره فقال إن الدال على الخير كفاعله (سنن الترمذي، الرقم: 2670)
وحديث حدثوا عن بني إسرائيل يفيد حل سماع الأعاجيب والغرائب من كل ما لا يتيقن كذبه بقصد الفرجة لا الحجة بل وما يتيقن كذبه لكن بقصد ضرب الأمثال والمواعظ وتعليم نحو الشجاعة على ألسنة آدميين أو حيوانات ذكره ابن حجر (الدر المختار 6/405)
قال العلامة ابن عابدين رحمه الله (قوله لكن بقصد ضرب الأمثال إلخ) وذلك كمقامات الحريري فإن الظاهر أن الحكايات التي فيها عن الحارث بن همام والسروجي لا أصل لها وإنما أتى بها على هذا السياق العجيب لما لا يخفى على من يطالعها (رد المحتار 6/405)
جواهر الفقه 6/506-519
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