Answered by Shaykh Yūsuf Badāt
Question:
My question is that I have learnt from scholars that reading literature that is toxic and un-Islamic is forbidden because it pollutes the mind.
I have noticed that the vocabulary of muslim scholars is strong, Mā shā Allāh. I just want to ask that since 90-95% of modern novels have things like romance and disrespecting parents in them but they still have difficult words that can expand your vocabulary and can teach how to write a novel, but since it is not suitable to read them, what can a Muslim do instead?
In other words, how do you and other scholars expand your vocabulary and knowledge about the world and writing skills since modern novels are toxic? I want to know and do the same.
Answer:
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم
In the name of Allāh, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
Jazāk Allāh Khayr/ Thank you for contacting Mathābah Institute.
There are many islamicaly appropriate ways to expand vocabulary. A few methods are listed below:
- Practice writing and speaking with the consistent use of a thesaurus.
- Listen to or watch appropriate documentaries and the news.
- Take advanced courses in literature and language.
- Read decent books with islamicaly appropriate content.
- Stay in the company of eloquent righteous muslims and learn from them.
“We did not send any messenger except [speaking] in the language [and vocabulary] of his people to state clearly [and explain eloquently] for them.” – (Qur’ān 14:4)[1]
Only Allāh knows best.
[1] وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا بِلِسَانِ قَوْمِهِ لِيُبَيِّنَ لَهُمْ ۖ فَيُضِلُّ اللَّهُ مَن يَشَاءُ وَيَهْدِي مَن يَشَاءُ ۚ وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ – سورة إبراهيم ٤
