Is It Permissible to Create a Videogame Featuring a Female Muslim Character?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
As a male game developer, is it permissible to create a non-violent game featuring a female Muslim character who prays and faces challenges? Does this conflict with any principles of fiqh or adab?
Answer
It is permissible to create a non-violent game featuring a female Muslim character who prays and faces challenges, provided it adheres to Islamic principles, especially if your aim is to inspire or educate through positive representation. This intention is praiseworthy.
Allah says, “Help one another in righteousness and piety, but do not help one another in sin and transgression.” [Quran, 5:2]
Modesty – The character should be depicted with proper hijab and dignity, avoiding any inappropriate or objectifying portrayal.
Content – The game should promote Islamic values and avoid anything unlawful, such as shirk, immorality, superstition, or unlawful music.
Interactions – Scenarios must respect the principles of adab and avoid inappropriate gender interactions or behaviors.
Balance – Ensure the game does not encourage time-wasting or harmful addiction.
Your efforts can serve as a means of da‘wa and benefit when guided by Islamic ethics. May Allah guide and bless your work.
And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Mohammad Abu Bakr Badhib
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.
