1. The Question:
Is it allowed to write fictional stories in Islam?
The Answer:
There is a basic principle among the scholars of Islam when it comes to worldly matters and worships, Islamic matters.
The Principle:
It is not allowed to do any act of worship unless you have an evidence to permit it.
With regards to worldly matters: they are allowed unless there is an evidence to prevent them.
Meaning: every food and drink is Halal in Islam except those that Allah made Haram for us. Like, alcohol and pork. Likewise, all the acts of worship is Haram in Islam except those that Allah made Halal.
For example: Dhuhur prayer has four obligatory Rak'aat, person A comes and say: I will pray five instead of four.
It is Haram for him to do this because he has no evidence to prove it. He cannot ask person B: you prove to me that it is four and not five. Because, person B has not innovated in the religion, person A did.
If we see from this perspective, then there is nothing wrong in writing a fiction. The fact that some people attribute fiction as lying, is not very strong because all the world knows it is fiction unless an author specifically inform that her/his story is non-fiction.
In fact, we can bring Muslim story under the first part of this principle to strengthen the argument. In regards to writing a Muslim book, whether full Islamic or not, it is Haram for the writer to write anything that goes against what Islam said.
As for the argument that it is a waste of time, no doubt this is completely agreeable. Reading or writing Fiction story for little entertainment or full entertainment is a waste of time.
My personal opinion regards to this is that it depends on the intention of the author. In fact, her/his intention become apparent once the story comes out. For me, writing fiction is a waste of time unless there is a purpose behind it, purpose to remind and benefit for the sake of Allah.
Any sensible person who choose his Hereafter over this temporary world will automatically leave that which comes between his preparation for the Hereafter.
Hopefully this answer will suffice you In Shaa Allah and you will not have to go to Quora website because trust me, you come out with more questions than before.
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2. The Question:
Why is it important to write according to Islam? The books are, after all, fiction at the end of the day. What is the big deal?
The Answer:
It is beyond my understanding that where did Muslim authors got this idea of 'as long as you're writing fiction, write as you wish'.
• The first thing we need to ponder upon is that Islam is not built upon my or your desires and wishes. As a Muslim, we perfectly know that Allah had two Scribers who are recording everything a human utters or does. Everything means Every Single Thing.
"He [I.e., man] utters no word except that an observer is prepared [to record]" Qur'an 50:18.
And in a place, Allah said:
"And the record [of deeds] will be placed [open], and you will see the criminals fearful of that within it, and they will say, "Oh, woe to us! What is this book that leaves nothing small or great except that it has enumerated it?" And they will find what they did present [before them]. And your Lord does injustice to no one." Qur'an, 18:49.
Ibn Kathīr Rahimahullah explained the verse as follows:
The Book of deeds, which contains a record of everything, major or minor, significant or insignificant, great or small. It has left no sin, major or minor, and no action, no matter how small, but it has recorded it with the utmost precision and accuracy.
-End quote from Tafsir Ibn Kathir.
So when we know our every move is being recorded and it will be brought to us on the day of Judgement, any person who has the ability to ponder will understand that it is indeed important to write without crossing our limits.
The matter become more dangerous and sinful when it is one of the matters of Islam you are writing and playing about.
• Prophet ﷺ mentioned in a Hadith:
He who called (people) to righteousness, there would be reward (assured) for him like the rewards of those who adhered to it, without their rewards being diminished in any respect. And he who called (people) to error, he shall have to carry (the burden) of its sin, like those who committed it, without their sins being diminished in any respect.
[Sahih Muslim, 2674]
Now, if your story has some false information about Islam and a reader approaches it, he/she believes it to be true thus act upon it or spread it further to more audience.
A clear example for this is Wattpad Muslim books. Wattpad is overflowed with such books, honestly.
A Muslim girl practices Hijab - just the headscarf - yet rest of her attire is blouse, pants and heels. What do you think your reader will take it as?
That it is okay for us to dress that way because apparently 'Layla' dressed that way in so and so 'Muslim story'.
That it is okay for us to be in males circle because apparently 'Fatima' had so amazing male friends in so and so book.
That it is totally okay if your father or brother has no protective jealousy over his womenfolk because apparently 'Nasr' was absolutely okay with his sister sitting beside a stranger - a non-Muslim guy.
Fear Allah, my sisters. When authors will be chilled about such extremely important matters of Islam, what do you expect from your readers?
Do not bring the statement 'it's upon my readers if they take it that way'. No, it's upon you because you're one with the pen. They will take it the way you convey it.
Then when some readers who are not ignorant about these issues, when they come to you criticising certain part of your story saying 'but this is Haram' 'this is not allowed in Islam' you brush away their comments as if you're the most knowledgeable here. First you give Islamic ruling a bad name through your writing and then you don't want people saying anything about your book.
The hypocrisy.
If you cannot write a proper Muslim book without disrespecting Islamic rulings by your way of writing then stand up from your desk and keep your phone away.
As a Muslim, I have enough Gheerah, protective jealousy, for my religion to tell you straightforwardly that I or you have no right to write anything if we cannot abide by conditions of Islam.
For a mere romance novel, do not give up the term 'Muslim' or 'Islamic' a bad name. For temporary joy of reaching high ranks in 'spiritual' do not sacrifice the honor Islam has given you.
It's about time that we take Islamic matters seriously. This chilled demeanour when it comes to Islamic matters may become our downfall.
May Allah rectify our affairs.
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Comments are open for questions but not for argumentation. If anyone finds this chapter offensive then reflect upon yourself before attacking me.
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