The End of a Crucial Decade in Human History

Is It Sinful To Write a Story That Involves Corrupt Parental Behavior?


Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad

Question:

I’m writing a storyline and was wondering if this was problematic: to have a character who is a very corrupt and sinful parental figure, and many of the sins the character engages in are to “protect” his family. He eventually learns his sins are wrong and becomes more righteous. Does such a plotline disrespect the sanctity of parenthood in Islam?

Answer:

Assalamu alaykum,

Thank you for your question. May Allah reward you for writing stories that speak about morals and how to correct oneself. Plots like this encourage reflection and can help many a reader resolve their own problems and turn to Allah.

I asked my teacher about this, and he told me that as long as the story doesn’t go into details and normalization of the sin and would be considered wholesome, such things are allowed to mention.

Please see our recommended children’s book list if you are looking for inspiration or other relevant ideas:
https://seekersguidance.org/articles/featured-articles/kids-reading/
https://seekersguidance.org/articles/general-artices/childrens-books-reading-list-from-seekersguidance-scholars/

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafseer, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.