Answered by Shaykh Yūsuf Badāt
Question:
I want to know that if one reads a fanfiction not fiction (a book about a living person who is a public figure) in which he may be depicted in a number of ways such as an actor or an entire movie cast on which different stories are written. Another example is of 7 people who are famous on TV and one reads the novel in which one of them may be regarded as lead, in which he may also be partnered with someone whose name is not given. Another person may be depicted as an astronaut. Is it against the person’s right to use his name as such if that person is not sexualized but romance may be depicted.
Answer:
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم
In the name of Allāh, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
Jazāk Allāh Khayr/ Thank you for contacting Mathabah Institute for your question.
Novels, characterization and dramatization that depict false ideologies or inappropriate content is islamicaly makrūh (disliked) and should be avoided. It is impermissible to use someone’s name in a way they have not approved of. Books and movies, serve as an influence, therefore a muslim should only be influenced by islamicaly appropriate material.
“We test you with evil and with good, as trials; and to Us you will be returned [for accountability].” – (Qur’ān 21:35)[1]
Only Allāh knows best.
[1] وَنَبْلُوكُم بِالشَّرِّ وَالْخَيْرِ فِتْنَةً ۖ وَإِلَيْنَا تُرْجَعُونَ – الأنبياء ٣٥
