Is Watching Anime Permissible if It Contains Background Music?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

I read fatwa on your website that watching anime is allowed under some conditions? But almost all anime have background music in them. And music is haram. Can you clarify this?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

Allah (Most High) says:

“And they who turn away from ill speech (laghw).” [Quran, 23:3]

Yes, watching anime is generally permissible under certain conditions, such as avoiding inappropriate content. Regarding background music, there is a scholarly difference of opinion on the permissibility of music. Many scholars consider instrumental music impermissible, while some allow non-lahw (non-distracting, non-corrupting) music.

If the anime contains impermissible music, it is best to mute it or avoid it when possible. Additionally, if watching anime leads to heedlessness, wasting excessive time, or desensitization to haram elements, it is recommended to seek better alternatives that align more closely with Islamic values. Entertainment should be approached with balance and mindfulness of one’s faith.

Please read this related answer

Better Practice

For those who seek a higher level of caution, avoiding anime altogether, especially when it contains doubtful or impermissible elements, would be praiseworthy. Seeking beneficial and uplifting alternatives in line with Islamic teachings is encouraged.

Not Encouraging Anime

It is important to remember that Islam encourages believers to engage in activities that nurture the heart and mind while keeping them connected to Allah. If anime—or any form of entertainment—distracts one from worship, reflection, and beneficial pursuits, it is wise to reconsider its consumption.

May Allah guide us to uphold taqwa and protect us from acts that test our integrity.

[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

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 (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, 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 been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, 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 Prophetic living and fitness.