As-salaamu 3laikum, Is it permissible to read Islamic history and the biographies of the scholars for enjoyment as well as for benefit? I always used to read novels and articles to relax occasionally but I found that a lot of them had haram content. If I read Islamic material at that time instead which is easy to read is there anything wrong with it? I do take the material seriously but I enjoy reading it as well as it is not too difficult. Jazaak Allahu khair

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

Islamic historical accounts and the biographies of Prophets and the righteous are full of morals and lessons, and they are a beacon in guiding the Muslim in his path to Allaah Almighty. Allaah says (what means): {There was certainly in their stories a lesson for those of understanding. Never was it [the Quran] a narration invented, but a confirmation of what was before it and a detailed explanation of all things and guidance and mercy for a people who believe.} [Quran 12:111]

So, a Muslim should reflect on such stories and draw lessons from them. The righteous predecessors realized the importance of this; 'Ali ibn Al-Husayn said: "We used to learn about the battles of the Messenger of Allaah in the same manner that we used to learn a Soorah (chapter) from the Quran.”

Az-Zuhri said: "In the knowledge of battles is knowledge of the last and the first.” Shaykhul Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said: “There is a lesson in these matters for those who believe in them, as they are of necessity to be tested with greater trials, and not despair when they are tested, and they will know that those who were better than them were also tested, and the end result was good; so let those who doubt have conviction, and let those who have sinned return to Allaah, and let the faith of the believers be strengthened; and it is with these stories that one imitates the Prophets.”

Therefore, if a Muslim reads these stories with this intention, he will get the reward; but if he lacks this intention, then he misses out on much good.

As regards enjoyment and passing time, then this is achieved in any case, so the intention of a Muslim should not be limited to only this in the first place.

Allaah Knows best.