Is It Permissible to Read Fantasy or Sci-Fi Books That Contain Fake Gods or Imaginary Religions?
Question
As-salamu alaykum,
Many popular fantasy and sci-fi books contain fake gods, human worship, or false religious systems. If someone reads these stories knowing they are fictional and does not believe in any of it, is that allowed? Or should such books be avoided completely because of the shirk elements?
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain.
1. The Shar‘i Context
Islam strictly forbids believing in false gods, invoking them, respecting them, or approving of systems of shirk.
However, reading fiction that contains imaginary worlds, characters, or myths is not the same as believing in them.
The ruling depends on the effect the content has on the reader, and the intention with which it is read.
2. The Principle: Fiction Is Permissible if It Does Not Influence Belief
Fantasy and science-fiction create fictional worlds with invented religions, mythologies, and symbolic “gods.”
These are not real entities and hold no existence outside the pages.
What matters in Sharia is whether the reader:
- Believes in these systems
- Respects or venerates them
- Is spiritually influenced by them
- Develops doubt about Islam because of them
If none of these occur, then merely reading such material is not a form of shirk or participation in it.
3. When Fiction Becomes Haram to Read
A Muslim must stop reading if the book:
- Plants doubts about Allah or the truth of Islam
- Normalizes shirk in a way that affects the heart
- Attracts the reader emotionally to false gods or systems
- Encourages real rituals, magic practices, or occult involvement
- Weakens faith or creates internal confusion
If any of these harms begin, then reading becomes impermissible because it becomes a cause of spiritual damage.
4. When Fiction Is Permissible
If the reader is mature, grounded in aqidah, and understands clearly that:
- These gods are imaginary
- These systems are invented
- These worlds are fictional
- None of it challenges Islam in their heart
- They read purely for story, creativity, and entertainment
Then reading such books is allowed.
Islam does not prohibit every mention of shirk in literature.
The Qur’an itself narrates stories of idol worshippers, magicians, false priests, and inventors of fake gods.
Narration is not the same as endorsement.
5. Relevant Usul Principle
الأمور بمقاصدها
Actions are judged by their intentions.
Your intention when reading is not devotion to these invented gods, but enjoyment of a fictional story.
Your purpose is not religious but literary.
And also:
درء المفاسد مقدم على جلب المصالح
Preventing harm takes precedence over bringing benefit.
Meaning:
If the book begins to cause harm to your heart or faith, the duty is to leave it.
Final Ruling
Reading fantasy or sci-fi books that contain fictional gods or imaginary religions is permissible as long as the reader’s belief is unaffected, the content remains clearly fictional, and no spiritual harm is caused.
If the material begins to influence beliefs, cause confusion, or weaken faith, then the book must be avoided.
And Allah knows best.