Question:-
What is the ruling regarding Muslims reading “Harry Potter” books?
Answer:-
There is a hidden plot and agenda behind the various forms of entertainment initiated by the Kuffar, yet we, simple-minded Muslims, innocently accept everything presented to us. The seemingly “innocent” cartoons and movies that our children watch, the comics and novels that they read, the music that they listen to etc. have an adverse effect on them all the time. This could either affect their character, in that it breeds disrespect, they adopt a carefree lifestyle without concern or regard for anyone else, they hold no value for the teachings of Deen, or sometimes even, their fundamental beliefs are attacked and as a result of which, they lose their Imaan.
The “Harry Potter” series is also one of those forms of entertainment that will ultimately destroy the Imaan of a person. We, as Muslims, have been taught to speak the truth at all times even when in jest, yet everything recorded in these novels is based on falsehood.
Secondly, magic was rife and practiced by the magicians in the time of Moosa Alaihis Salaam. They tried to combat Moosa Alaihis Salaam but they were defeated because Moosa Alahis Salaam presented a Mu’jizah (miracle) which was from the side of Allah Ta’ala, whilst their magic was falsehood. A teenager reading these books grows up with the mindset that practicing magic, or even black magic, is entertaining and empowering, whereas this could result in one losing his Imaan.
Thirdly, we have no time to read the Quraan Sharif (where a person will be rewarded for every letter recited), and neither do we encourage our children to recite Quraan Sharif, yet we will allow and encourage them to read such books of Kufr.
Fourthly, when Dajjal will appear, he too, will carry out various forms of supernatural acts such as reviving the dead, causing people to die, causing the skies to rain, the earth to grow crops etc. Majority of the people will fall prey to his falsehood and follow him, and therein, lose their Imaan. These are the types of books that are laying the foundation for those future events.
In conclusion, we advise all Muslim parents to refrain from purchasing Kuffar novels, comics, books, and all Haraam forms of entertainment for their children. How many parents are suffering the consequences of affording such freedom to their offspring and are now crying tears of blood, but it is too late! Our seniors are so cautious in these matters that they state that, an Islamic book written by a non-Muslim author will also have an adverse effect on one hence, one should only read Islamic literature written by our pious scholars.
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 17 Dhul Hijjah 1443 / 17 July 2022
