I am 15 and sad over a game I destroyed because of religious fear
I am struggling with a conflict that has been weighing on me for a long time. When I was younger, around 12, I played The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. They weren’t just games to me. They were incredibly beautiful, cinematic, and they made me feel so calm. At that age, I was completely innocent. I saw it all as fiction and it didn’t change my belief in Allah at all. I didn’t even think about the “gods” in the game as anything but characters.But then I found people online saying the game was haram because of “idolatry” since you interact with statues to get more health. This started a huge cycle of anxiety for me. I was obsessed with finding answers that would make it okay to play again. When I asked for advice on Reddit and Quora, I got different answers. Reddit told me I was fine and Allah was judging me on my intentions, to ignore the waswas and just enjoy the game while being mindful. Quora told me I was committing shirk and said things like, “If the Prophet (PBUH) saw you playing this, would he be happy?” or “If you loved Allah, you would hate what defies Him.”
I know this is such an unimportant situation compared to other peoples struggles on this platform, but it felt so serious to me then. In a moment of total panic and guilt, I actually took scissors and destroyed my game cards. I cried for so long after that and I regretted it lol. I am 15 now and I’ve been thinking to buy the games again. I miss the beauty and the calm of the game. Even though I know worshiping a statue is absurd, I’m scared that if I buy it again, I’ll just be stuck in a loop of “Am I committing shirk right now?” every time I see something in the game. My innocent joy was replaced by a “What if?” that won’t go away.Is it wrong for me to want to experience this game again? I just want to know how to deal with this fear that has turned something I loved into something that gives me so much anxiety.
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Response from a “Fatima Counselor”:
Assalamualaikum, Brother!!
I can see why this is bothering you. You care about your faith, and that’s a really good thing. Anyone who cares that much would feel confused in this situation. What you’re describing isn’t silly or unimportant it’s a very real kind of anxiety, and it makes sense that it stuck with you. What changed wasn’t the game itself it was the meaning your mind started attaching to it after reading those comments. Let’s separate a few things clearly, because right now they’re getting tangled together.
In Islam, shirk is about belief and intention, not accidental exposure to fictional content. If someone watches a movie with false gods or reads a myth, that doesn’t mean they’re committing shirk because they don’t believe in it. You’re not worshipping anything in the game. You don’t believe those things are real. It’s just a story, like reading a fantasy book or watching a movie. Your heart knows the difference, even if your thoughts try to confuse you.
What you’re describing sounds a lot like Waswas (intrusive religious doubts). It often works like this. You care deeply about your faith. You see a scary statement (“this is shirk”) Your brain goes: “What if that’s true?” Destroying the game wasn’t really about religion it was about trying to escape that anxiety. And it gave temporary relief, but not peace. That’s why the fear came back.
From what you described, this isn’t really about the game itself it’s the “what if” thoughts that started after reading different opinions online. Those kinds of thoughts can get really strong and make something harmless feel scary. Playing The Legend of Zelda games doesn’t mean you’re worshipping anything. You already know it’s fiction, and your intention matters. Pressing a button on a statue in a game isn’t the same as believing in it or worshipping it.
Also, some of the things people say online can be very harsh and fear-based. That doesn’t automatically make them right. Faith isn’t about being afraid of every small thing it’s about what’s in your heart, and yours is clearly in the right place. If you decide to play again, the thoughts might come back at first. When they do, try not to argue with them. Just tell yourself, “This is just a thought. Allah knows my intention,” and continue what you’re doing. You didn’t do anything wrong before, and it’s not wrong to want to enjoy something that brought you peace. Just take it slowly, and try not to go back into searching online debates, as they usually make the anxiety worse. You’re okay, honestly. Because Allah knows your intentions. Nothing about this makes you a bad person or a bad Muslim. It just means your mind got stuck in a loop, and you’re learning how to come out of it now. You’ll be fine. In Shaa Allah!!
Warm regards,
From your Sister in Islam,
“Fatima MV”
Here are some additional posts on this topic that you may find helpful: https://www.stonestobridges.org/2026/01/07/struggling-with-religious-guilt-regarding-my-hobby/ https://www.stonestobridges.org/2025/12/30/music/ https://www.stonestobridges.org/2024/06/28/i-am-bored/
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Things are not always as they seem.
As salaamu alaikum. Being conscious is an amazing gift. As well as pondering for the correct answer. But no gift is greater than Allah’s mercy. This is what I want you to remember over all.
Ive never played games much. Never really got a kick out of the quick hands. But I always loved watching people who had the skills necessary to play a game well. I loved the artistry as well.
I found some people played and could stop on a dime. Not unconscious. Then there were others that were so hooked up they couldn’t hear anything else. There’s a big difference. Same game difference intentions and focus.
We are told to seek the middle path in all things. As well as we were created with a certainty we will commit sins. Key again is can we stop and pray when it’s time? Can we enjoy the creation while remembering the Creator above all?
Seems like you have a lot of self awareness and stronger desire to be in the grace of Allah than access to this game.
We are encouraged not to be extreme but also seek the good and pleasures of this life as well.
We live in a time of technology and fantasy and its almost impossible totally avoid. So everything in moderation.
I would have destroyed the game as well if I thought it would make me feel like I was risking pleasing Allah. Then when reminded Allah is open to forgive my sins as well as shortcomings, like confusion if im doing something displeasing. Our actions are judged by our intentions and no one knows your heart but Allah. When we don’t understand something there is an ease with saying its haram.
I’ve learned not to jump to conclusions without getting advice from sources I trust and are knowledgeable about the thing in question, like a credible scholar or Imam.
So, while you may feel you acted in haste when you destroyed the game it was for a good reason, your soul. So before you purchase the game again, do some research amd consult knowledgeable trustworthy and non-judgemental sources, and Remember Allah knows our intentions and is forgiving when we make mistakes, not to mention all out disregard.
Also, we are allowed to have fun and enjoy beautiful things that are pleasing or acceptable to Allah even if others don’t fully understand.
On another note, I did a little research about the game. ” zelda based on +5 The Legend of Zelda is not based on a single book or true story; it is an amalgamation of creator Shigeru Miyamoto’s childhood explorations in the Kyoto countryside, classic High Fantasy like J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, and swashbuckling adventure films like Indiana Jones…Miyamoto’s Childhood: The core gameplay pillar of exploration was inspired by Miyamoto’s youth, where he spent his free time wandering the woods, exploring caves, and getting lost in the hills near his home.”
Just something to remember. Imagination can be beautiful. Don’t lose yours. Make taubah often.
habiba k
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu Dear Brother.
I hear you, and I can see how hard this has been for you. Please know that your feelings matter, they are valid and important. When you are going through something this difficult, the pain you feel is very real, and it is okay to talk about how much this hurts. I can see that you care deeply about your faith and pleasing Allah, so, it is completely understandable that you are having such a tough experience.
It is important to understand that intention is extremely important in Islam. Actions are not judged only by what they look like outwardly, but by what a person truly believes and intends in their heart. Playing a fictional game while fully knowing it is fictional is not the same thing as worship. And you already recognized that yourself. You never believed the statues were real gods, never prayed to them, never placed them above Allah, and never stopped believing in Him because of a video game. To you, they were simply part of a fictional world and story, not objects of devotion.
Please kindly always remember that Allah knows the reality of your heart better than anyone. Allah knows the difference between a person enjoying fictional storytelling and someone genuinely worshiping idols. Fear of Allah has an important place in Islam, but so also are His mercy, compassion, and the peace that comes from loving and trusting Him. A healthy relationship with religion is meant to guide and strengthen the heart, not leave a person feeling trapped in obsessive fear or guilt.
Before reading the online comments, the game brought you feelings of calmness, beauty, and wonder. But after repeatedly reading fearful opinions and harsh warnings, your mind became trapped in constant fearful doubts and overthinking. That pattern is common with religious anxiety and waswas. Waswas often takes something innocent or neutral and turns it into a cycle where a person begins endlessly questioning their intentions and their faith. These fears can feel very real and overwhelming, even when the person sincerely believes in Allah and has no intention of disbelief.
If you choose to play again, I would suggest you try to simply enjoy the game instead of constantly examining your thoughts for signs of shirk, because repeatedly overanalyzing yourself can keep the cycle of fear and anxiety going. It may help to set some gentle boundaries for yourself by staying away from online arguments and comment sections, since these often can increase confusion and fear rather than bringing peace. I would also encourage you to seek guidance and clarification from a trustworthy and balanced religious authority in your own community instead of relying only on online discussion forums.
I would like to encourage you to always remind yourself of what you sincerely believe in your heart. Please try not to allow fear to take away every source of beauty, peace, and harmless joy from your life. Always remember that Allah knows your heart, and He sees your goodness and your love for Him.
May Allah bless you with guidance, peace, comfort, and goodness in your life.
Your Sister in Islam
Peer Support Volunteer Habiba K