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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