Subject: welcome home
Is it permissible for a Muslim to continue enjoying a fictional ARG or game if its story later includes cult-related elements, even though one does not approve of those elements, does not seek them out, and feels that it does not affect one’s dīn?
The Questioner
hala yaghi
Dec 8, 2024
CODE :Gen41
In principle, video games and fictional entertainment are not automatically impermissible. Islam does not prohibit lawful play, relaxation, or harmless enjoyment. Rather, the Sharīʿah recognises that people need permissible recreation so that they may return to serious responsibilities with renewed energy.
The Prophet ﷺ allowed forms of lawful amusement. In the context of wedding celebrations, he said to ʿĀʾishah رضي الله عنها: “Was there no amusement with you? For the Anṣār like amusement.” This is reported by al-Bukhārī.
However, many forms of modern entertainment, including some video games, may contain elements that take them out of the sphere of innocent recreation. These include addiction that harms one’s health, mind, studies, work, worship, or family duties; content that conflicts with Islamic belief, such as promoting false religions, shirk, cultic practices, or insulting Islam and Muslims; encouragement of gambling or gambling-like behaviour; indecent imagery or immoral content; and prohibited music or other sinful elements.
The Qur’an teaches believers to guard their hearts and avoid what may gradually weaken faith. Allah says:
“And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart — about all those one will be questioned.”
(Sūrah al-Isrāʾ 17:36)
The Prophet ﷺ also said:
“Leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not make you doubt.”
(Jāmiʿ al-Tirmidhī)
Therefore, the ruling depends on the content itself and its effect on the person.
If the cult-related element in the story is only part of the fictional background, and the person does not admire it, imitate it, promote it, participate in it, or let it affect their beliefs, then merely liking the general story, characters, art, or world of the game is not the same as approving that false element. In such a case, it may be tolerated, especially if the person remains aware and avoids engaging with the problematic parts as much as possible.
But if the game begins to normalise false beliefs, glorify cultic practices, create curiosity toward them, weaken one’s Islamic identity, disturb one’s worship, or lead to emotional attachment to ideas opposed to tawḥīd, then it should be avoided. The heart is not a testing lab; not every strange idea deserves a free trial inside it.
So, merely liking the franchise, especially if they dislike the cult aspect and do not interact with it, is not sinful. However, they should remain cautious, avoid problematic parts, keep their attachment moderate, and ensure that their love for entertainment never competes with their love for Allah, the Qur’an, ṣalāh, and real-life responsibilities.
And Allah knows best.