Creating Halal Video Games: A Faith-Driven Mission

What's my mission?
  • Your definition refers to a writer who is responsible for composing this topic based on the daily writing prompt. The author’s name belongs to the individual who wrote the paragraph. Your account is the one on a specific platform tasked with writing, such as on WordPress.
  • As per the copilot search, a mission encompasses an assignment, trip, journey, expedition, pursuit, goal, or aim. A mission, at one point, represents a significant assignment given to individuals or groups, usually involving travel abroad. Additionally, a mission pertains to a calling from a religious organization. This is especially true for the Christian one. The goal is to go forth and spread its faith. The final aspects of a mission pertain to ambition or aims, akin to a target to achieve in life.
  • My current mission is to develop a video game that adheres to permissible standards. It aligns with Islamic principles that avoid all impermissible elements. These elements include excessive violence, gore, nudity, and others. Furthermore, video games often include certain animated objects and music, which are considered haram and must be avoided by Muslims. I have encountered this challenge since the beginning of my game development journey, especially as a self-employed individual working independently.
  • The animated objects typically feature some form of realistic imagery, particularly involving humans or animals. Such depictions are regarded as haram because they imitate the creation of living beings, paralleling Allah’s creation. Several opinions among Islamic scholars discuss this permissibility, stating that animated objects should lack eyes, noses, and mouths.
  • Regarding the depiction of faces, some Islamic scholars allow them. The game’s content must remain halal and promote good narratives. It should avoid other haram elements related to shirk. Moreover, the game content should be appropriate, focusing on creating educational games that utilize animated objects and music considered permissible for young audiences.
  • When it comes to music, various opinions exist. Scholars like Imam Al-Ghazali assert that music can be permissible. However, it should be used in moderation. This permissibility path is often linked to the unconservative faction, which tends to deviate from the sunnah of the Prophet (saw).
  • Music generally features different types of sound instruments. These instruments have been deemed haram by the conservative faction, especially regarding Islamic use. Discussions on music’s permissibility also mention the use of natural sounds, such as those from forests, water, or wind. Such music is deemed permissible as no other instruments are allowed to be played.
  • Nevertheless, for sound effects, using instruments is permissible, as these sounds are brief, like gunshots, clicks, startups, and more. I consider this approach reasonable, as I have utilized these effects in most of my previous game prototypes. Additionally, my mission includes inviting people to Islam, which correlates with spreading the Islamic religion through video game creation.
  • In summary, my mission is to produce a video game rooted in Islamic principles. These principles guide individuals towards peace and harmony. The game will steer clear of violence, crime, and negative behaviors that contradict Islamic values. I have been pursuing this endeavor for many years. I look forward to developing engaging action, adventure, RPG, and strategy game genres. I am likely to focus more on 2D art, as I am the sole developer. However, I welcome any collaborations. Please share your thoughts in the comments.

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