Question:

May Allah preserve you. I have had severe OCD and scrupulosity in the religion most of my life. I have two questions I hope you can advise me on. I greatly appreciate any help, jazakAllah Khair

First, I read that it is not good to doubt that Allah will respond when making dua. When I commit a sin, I get an automatic feeling that this sin might be a reason for my dua to be rejected. Also, if I catch myself not paying attention when making dua, I get worried that it might make my dua unaccepted. Despite that, I don’t intentionally think that Allah won’t respond to me because of that sin or mistake. I just worry that it might be a reason for my dua to not be accepted. One of the scholars said “A believer is the one who, after performing a good deed, is fearful (of its acceptance).” Is this worry I get in my heart doubting Allah’s Response and does it negatively affect my dua, or is it just natural feelings, because I don’t intend to doubt Allah’s Response?

Also, I play a historical war game, and it includes a battle inside a cathedral. Sometimes in the cathedral it shows pictures of Jesus ﷺ and Mary, and sometimes dramatic war music like drums or a violin is played in the background while showing the depictions. Is playing this game disrespectful to Islam, or is it okay knowing that it is just history and has no intention of mockery or disrespect?

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

First and foremost, I make sincere du’a that Allah Ta’ala relieves your worries and keep you accepted for his deen, Ameen.

Your question refers:

1. Du’a is an integral and very personal relation between a slave and his Rabb (sustainer). Allah Ta’ala’s own wordings tell us that we should ask, so that he may grant. Such a proclamation shows that Allah Ta’ala is waiting for the servant, whether he is sinful or not, to reach out to Allah.

Your worry that a particular sin which happens to have been committed by you will become a hinderance for acceptance of du’a. But, I want you to know that it is that mistake which has brought you to Allah’s doorstep. Allah has given you the tawfiq (ability) to beseech his maghfirah after that sin, and this in itself shows that Allah is awaiting your Istighfar. Who would be more deserving of Allah’s maghfirah and Allah’s mercy than the one who deserves it due to their sins.

Nabi ﷺ mentioned that every human commits sins, yet the best of sinners are those who repent abundantly towards their Allah. Do not think for a moment that Allah will shun you away. It increases the loftiness and grandeur of Allah when we beg and seek Du’a from Him.

In future, if you wish to add worry about sins and your relation to Allah, then use that worry before committing the sin. Worry that how you shall face Allah with such and such sin in your book. But, know very well, that whatever sin gets committed by you, your Allah is awaiting for you to return to Him. Not beseeching and not calling him in Du’a is distancing oneself from Allah. It shall be our own loss, and not Allah’s.

Finally, when Allah Ta’ala himself has proclaimed that no du’a of a Mu’min gets rejected. Sure, their mode of acceptance will differ. Some will be accepted for this life, while other will be accepted by means of removal of worldly harm from you. But most of all, some maybe kept aside as a raincheck for your Akhira, when you will need it most, and the compensation at that time and hour will be most desired by all.

2. Whatever action you take in your spare time, while playing or even when resting, keep assessing your choices. Is the choice such that shall please Allah or not. When you stand before Allah and Allah demands what bountiful act did you do with the wealth of time which could have been invested in your current life? These introspections and questions will help you decide whether you allocated use of time is the best use of it or not.

As far as fiqhi discourse for video games is concerned, then some aspects of problems you yourself have highlighted. Tasaweer (imagery), itself is a big matter of concern. Nabi ﷺ has informed of great punishments for those who draw. Then what of those who relish them and enjoy them for their own amusements.

Since you are already concerned how your actions will fare with your Du’as, I suggest finding some neutral avenues for enjoyment which do not have elements that may spur Allah’s disapproval. May Allah Ta’ala assist you in your life’s endeavour, Ameen.

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Mufti Faisal bin Abdul Hameed al-Mahmudi
www.fatwa.ca