Other Literature

Reading comics

Q: I would like to ask if it is permissible to read comics online which are pictured books online with no inappropriate content. The genres are:

1- Supernatural 
2- Clean romance (no sex) 
3- Time travel 
4- Fiancés/husband /wife or boyfriend/girlfriend 
5- Superpowers etc. 

I will read all these only when I am menstruating or have nothing to do.

Listening to positive affirmations

Q: I have a question about something called positive affirmations. 

I pray the five daily prayers and the Sunnah, read the Qur’an, fast, and do a lot of supplication to Allah Ta'ala. But I like to listen to positive affirmations to improve my mood, for example to achieve a certain thing that definitely comes from Allah Ta'ala, so my intention is not shirk. The affirmations do not contain any negatives or against Islam. 

Is this considered polytheism if I still have complete trust in Allah Ta'ala? Is the law of attraction permissible? What is forbidden in subliminal messages? Or in subliminals in general?

Authenticity of “My DNA origins”

Q: A Muslim doctor advises something called “My DNA origins” on her website. I would appreciate Mufti Saheb’s comment on the permissibility of such tests. In the description it states:

The modern human (Homo sapiens) originated in Africa, the continent where we have spent most of our existence, some 200 000 – 300 000 years ago. It was onlyabout 60 000 – 70 000 years ago that a small East thAfrican population migrated out-of-Africa, giving birth to all non-African populations. As genetic diversity continues to increase with time, so the greater genetic diversity within the much older African population can be better explained.

One group of the out-of-Africa migrants moved east, reaching India, Southeast Asia and finally Australia approximately 50 000 years ago.

Another group of out-of-Africa migrants moved to the Near East/Arabian Peninsula, and further split into two groups; one eventually reaching and settling in Europe about 45 000 years ago, and the other returning to the continent to settle in North Africa. The populations that settled on the Asian continent eventually reached Siberia. Approximately 15 000 – 20 000 years ago they crossed the Bering Strait, reaching the American continent for the first time.

Ancient DNA studies showed that when the modern humans travelled out-of-Africa, they crossed paths with other human groups, namely Neanderthals and Denisovans. Hence, the genome of current European and Asian populations has approximately 2.3% of Neanderthal input; and the Southeast Asian population can have up to 4% of Denisovan input in their genomes. Interestingly, the Sub-Saharan African population does not have any input of either Neanderthal or Denisovan in their genomes, as these groups were never present in Africa.

Given the origin and migration of our species, human populations have primarily been organised into three large ancestral groups: African (Sub-Saharan Africa), Asian (more precisely East Asia) and Eurasian (not only Europe, but related by ancestry, Southwest Asia, North Africa and to some extent Central Asia).

There are gradients of genetic diversity between the human populations – some DNA variants are more frequent in certain regions than in others. Thus, as we analyse millions of DNA variants at the same time, we acquire an excellent resolution in identifying the origin of an individual based on their specific genetic profile.

Reading novels

Q: I would like to know that after doing my work, namaz, reading Quraan and other works, so that nobodys rights are violated, what books or stories can one read for one's enjoyment, as one likes reading. Can one read books or stories of detective nature, like "whodoneit" fiction.

I am talking about books and novels of Agatha Christie, Conan Doyle, Brain Cleeve etc. not romance or filthy books and novels. Detective stories can help to use one's brains. It can also be brain exercise as I think.

As we do taleem at night when everyone is together. In taleen as you know we do read Fazail e aamaal and Sadaqat, and Muntakhab Ahaadis. There is also time when we do zikr and wazaifs. But after doing all this can one read the stories in free time for entertaiment or to enjoy one self?

One cannot do taleem etc all the time, then it might make others bored or hectic, that all the time the same thing one has to do, reading and wazaif etc. One has to have a time for a little entertainment and being jolly but of halal nature. When one is travelling in a train etc so that one does not get bored or get involved in idle talk etc. What is the solution to this?

May Allah forgive me for the nature of question asked but just for clarification and not for shunning reading Quran, doing taleem or zikr etc. 

Writing fantasy books

Q: For over five years, I have been struggling with a strong desire to write books. However, these books revolve around fantasies and stories that may be morally objectionable, yet entertaining for others. It is also possible to earn money from such books. On the other hand, whenever I attempt to write books about Islam and promoting good behavior, I find myself getting bored and unable to proceed.

I am seeking reassurance that writing fantasy books of this nature is forbidden, as it would help me find peace. Additionally, I hope you can provide me with relevant Quranic verses that describe my predicament.