Is writing fictional, non-Islamic horror stories about jinn and haunted houses forbidden (haram), and is the money earned from selling them forbidden (haram)?
Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported Sep 2, 2026
Fictional stories are permissible if the reader knows they are fictional and they do not advocate for anything forbidden. Earning money from them is permissible if it is for a worldly purpose. However, stories that deal with horror, such as tales of jinn and haunted houses, are not permissible to author or trade in, because they harm the soul, spoil one's mood, and cause fear and false imaginings in weak souls. They may even lead to the jinn possessing some people. Due to the harm they cause to the self, Islamic law has forbidden frightening Muslims, even if it is as a joke.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported
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- Original fatwa ID
- 21409
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