Useless entertainments?

[Ssaraireh]

Salam'alakum, I am kind of new to Islam, and I am looking for some clarification.

While reading the posts about music being Haram, and the links provided, it left me with several questions, both new and old that were never answered.

As far as useless entertainments go, (music being one of them) what else is considered in that catagory and therefor haram?

Is reading fiction books Haram?

The reason i ask is, I real alot. Its a major hobby of mine. I spend an aweful lot of time reading. In the link that I was posted in the music thread, it said "anything that keeps you from remembering Allah" So, if I'm reading for a long time, it means my mind is on the book/story and not on Allah. Even if while reading, it triggers a thought about Allah, and Islam.

What if the book/story talks about things that are forbidden?
(such as drinking, intimate relations, bad thoughts, sinful ways etc)
For example, the Twilight book series, having to do with Vampire, obviously vampires are ****ed for their diet consits of blood, which is forbidden, so is reading stories about loving these vampires haram?

Also, there is a book series that I enjoy, but the later books talks a lot about faith and the Creator. Its very complex, but there are parts in it that made me very angry even though it was just a story, the main character went on a tirade about how sacrifice in this world for eternity in the here after is a waste of your life, etc. I remember reading it and getting so angry i tore out all the pages of his long winded speech. Is reading that book haram?

What about movies and tv? are they haram? especially considering the content of modern movies... what they show of the human bodies, actions, the stories themselves. and the fact that you are paying attention to the movie and may forget about Allah for that time period?

Video games? those are very often useless entertainments, because you don't really accomplish anything and are so engrossed in the story/gameplay that you lose all track of time. Espcially because that sometimes the reason for playing, to pass the time and relax etc.

Is day dreaming and fantasizing about things Haram? For exaple, if I were be lying awake, trying to fall asleep, and imagining a whole story in my head, that may or may not involve things prohibited in Islam? Is the fact that they are forbidden, mean i am committing a sin for just imagining them?

[Rafeeq]

Elikum Salam warahma.

Since, you raise a question, hence it is mendatory to reply because I know hiding HAQQ (fact) is a sinfull act.

Already you are answering your questions. I am sorry to say this that you want few replies to support those actions you are doing which are not acceptable.

Whatever we make use of our time is to be answered hereinafter and so, if it is spent in useless things will be objected.

It is good thing that you are a good reader, so why do you not start reading good books apart from the fiction and stories.

When you will go to book shop or librery, you will find many good books from history to social sciences and religion to philosophy.

[Ssaraireh]

Salam'alakum,
I apoligize if it seemed I was trying to find reasons to contiue these things. I really am curious, and would like them answered. From you reply, does that mean that yes, all of those things are Haram?

The reason I asked, and with details, is because my Husband, who was raised Muslim does all ofthese things, (except read, he says he isn't interested, that my things). Movies, music, video games, tv, fanticies, etc. So I never thought to question it.

Thank you for your reply, I really did need conformation.

I had another question. It was about smoking tobacoo. Is that haram as well? I do want to quit, but it is difficult, but maybe if I knew for a fact that it was haram, and i am doing it for Allah it will be easier. (Insha'Allah)

[Sawdah]

Salam'alakum,
I apoligize if it seemed I was trying to find reasons to contiue these things. I really am curious, and would like them answered. From you reply, does that mean that yes, all of those things are Haram?

The reason I asked, and with details, is because my Husband, who was raised Muslim does all ofthese things, (except read, he says he isn't interested, that my things). Movies, music, video games, tv, fanticies, etc. So I never thought to question it.

Allah knows best sis. I can't tell you that tv, movies, video games are haram (personally I think that tv isn't, just depends on what you watch and video games to me are somewhat useless cause mostgames you don't benefit anything from it)
http://islamqa.com/en/ref/127836/television

Though I know that music is haram. (I think you've already seen the thread on it)
http://www.islamicboard.com/clarific...sic-haram.html

I had another question. It was about smoking tobacoo. Is that haram as well? I do want to quit, but it is difficult, but maybe if I knew for a fact that it was haram, and i am doing it for Allah it will be easier. (Insha'Allah)

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/110/smoking
I hope that helps inshallah.:)
:sl:

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[CosmicPathos]

Salam'alakum,
I apoligize if it seemed I was trying to find reasons to contiue these things. I really am curious, and would like them answered. From you reply, does that mean that yes, all of those things are Haram?

The reason I asked, and with details, is because my Husband, who was raised Muslim does all ofthese things, (except read, he says he isn't interested, that my things). Movies, music, video games, tv, fanticies, etc. So I never thought to question it.

Thank you for your reply, I really did need conformation.

I had another question. It was about smoking tobacoo. Is that haram as well? I do want to quit, but it is difficult, but maybe if I knew for a fact that it was haram, and i am doing it for Allah it will be easier. (Insha'Allah)

There are different opinions. If you reading such fiction books for enjoyment and entertainment which have atheistic ideologies then it is haram. But if you are reading atheistic books such as "God is not Great by Hitchens" or "God Delusion by Dawkins" with the intention of proving them wrong and to spread the message of Allah then I think it is allowed. But be careful. You have to be mentally prepared to read such books. Shaitan will cast doubts if you are not logical and firm. I have seen Muslims becoming atheists after reading these books. But I also have seen Muslims becoming stronger Muslims after reading these books. So it depends.

Regarding reading fiction books which talk about drinking and sexual actions, it is haram of course.

You can read other forms of fiction books with the intention of gaining halal entertainment and pleasing Allah. I do not think there is anything harmful in that. For example, many scholars of Islam used to write contemplative poetry.

But think about it. Reading twilight does not contribute to the rationality. Does it? it is a story based on myths? Creativity, maybe? But what benefit is of such creativity which is based on fantasies and not ground realities. If you want to develop reading, writing skills, do read books. But those which have some literary value. :)

[Ssaraireh]

Thank you for your replys, I will try to quit both cigeretts and entertaining fiction. Both are addictions for me. Insha'Allah I will be successful, Thank you for the clarifications.

[GuestFellow]

Thank you for your replys, I will try to quit both cigeretts and entertaining fiction. Both are addictions for me. Insha'Allah I will be successful, Thank you for the clarifications.

Take it step at a time, it can be difficult to make drastic changes very quickly.

[Rafeeq]

Thank you for your replys, I will try to quit both cigeretts and entertaining fiction. Both are addictions for me. Insha'Allah I will be successful, Thank you for the clarifications.

It is realy nice to know you are going to give up these addictions. My best wishes are with them. Do remember to keep studying good books, it will benefit you a lot, InshaAllah.