Is it Permissible to Read a Book Written by a Satanist?
Hanafi Fiqh
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
I want to know, as a Muslim, can we seek help from a Satanist? Should we read a book on medical science that was written by a Satanist? We see many things where we find the roles of Satanist and occultist people. Like science, rocket science, ICT, google, opera, etc. In this case, what should we do?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.
If you come to know that a particular book has been written by such, then avoid reading and studying from it. Look for an alternative book on the subject. However, we are also connected with many of the above things; there is nothing wrong with reading books on them for educational reasons to help us understand the world around us. We can read to the extent of necessity.
The ruling is based on “Necessity allows the bare minimum.” and “Necessity (darura) declares the impermissible, permissible.” [Zarqa; Sharh al Qawa’id al Fiqhiyya]
I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction, in sha’ Allah.
Related: Owning or gifting books on other religions – SeekersGuidance
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I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.
