Selling novels

Aslamualikum, we have a book shop selling urdu and international Novels. As you know there is romance in every novel. i want to know whether is it permissible to Sale Novels or not in islam. Kindly reply in accordance with Quran and ahadith or some early Scholars.

 بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

الجواب حامدا ومصليا ومسلما

In principle, it is permissible to sell any item which can possibly be used for halal purposes. However, if the general usage of such an item is normally used for non-Islamic purposes or in an un-Islamic manner, it would be preferable not to sell such items.

Based on the aforementioned principle, selling novels (such as romance novels) is permissible as they can be used for learning different types of language and literature. However, generally such novels are used as a means of passing time and promote immorality, therefore making it detrimental to one’s iman. Thus, it would be better to avoid selling such books for a living.

والله اعلم

Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala knows best.

Omar Baig

Approved by Mufti Husain Ahmad Madani