Getting Rid of Fictional Books, Movies and Music

Answered by Shaykh Faraz A. Khan

Question: I’m trying to overcome my habit of reading non-beneficial books and especially fiction with which I don’t really gain anything but that which just wastes my time.
Should I sell them, give them away, or throw them away? If I give it away or sell it and give away the money, would that count as charity?

I have the same qs for movies and cds as such, but I’m more willing to throw them away than the books.

Answer: Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah,

I pray this finds you in the best of health states.

Not all fictional books are non-beneficial. Please see this related answer for more detail:

Does the Shariah Permit Reading Non-Islamic Literature?

As such, if the books are not primarily indecent, you may sell them and use that money. If you are not comfortable with this, of course, then you may do so and donate that money.

If the material is primarily unlawful (such as pornography, etc.), then it must be discarded.

Regarding the music and movies, you may want to simply get rid of them, as most modern day music and films deal primarily with the unlawful and have little-to-no benefit.

And Allah knows best.
wassalam
Faraz

Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani