It’s 2025, at this point, anime is in mainstream conversation and everyone knows at least one show. What most people don’t know, especially if you’re not Muslim, is some Muslims don’t really know how to deal with art in its various forms. For the sake of this post, we are going to be addressing the Muslim Skeptic article “Rising Appeal of Anime with Muslims – Should We Be Concerned.“

Should we be concerned? No. If you’re new to this blog, we have discussed Islam and anime on another page where we talk about how Muslims can be nerds. In a follow-up article, I will address Muslims and art, and how Muslims can use their craft to connect with God, once it’s done, I’ll attach it here as well. Now, onto the Muslim Skeptic.

All terms will be explained throughout the post.

“…considering the extremely unhealthy mixture of shirk(idolatry), degeneracy, immorality, nudity, music, liberal propaganda/social engineering, and haram content that permeates anime, it is reasonable to assert that this form of entertainment should, at the very least, be avoided by Muslims.”

It goes without saying, that each anime is different, there are different genres. Even if there was fan service of any kind, the question is, how would that make it different than any other media that you consume? To say that this form of entertainment should be avoided by Muslims, it prompts the question – one we’ll revisit – what should/can Muslims consume?

The topic of idolatry (shirk) in anime is already ludicrous. We are not delusional. We know there’s no anime discussing Islam or Muslims, outside of The Journey. If religion is discussed in anime, it’s most likely going to be Buddhism, Shinto, or Christianity, but to be upset at that – you may as well never go outside the bubble of Islamic content.

“So, what are the factors that contribute to its resounding success?…One obvious hypothesis suggests that manga offers respite from the daunting monotony of the modern daily existence, succinctly encapsulated by the “metro, work, sleep” routine dictated by capitalism…And what simpler escape is there than through a medium that is entirely illustrated, capable of depicting the most fantastical scenarios?”

To state that manga and anime give a break from daily live, then to go on to say “…this explanation appears to facile…” seems a bit off. It’s not superficial, it’s true! This medium like most art, is meant to transport us to a different world. The author of this post actually expressed a fondness for anime and manga at one point, so I’m sure they understand. I’m also certain that they know that with certain demographics, especailly shonen, resonantes with those who watch and read. It gives people that sense and understanding of the power of friendship, finding your own strength and motivations. Any shonen character has always exhibited unwavering determination. That kind of attitude rubs off when you watch enough of the same story!

In the comments of this article, as well as in the wild of the internet in Muslim spaces, the topic of finding role models in the media appear. People love to say, “look to the sahabah (companions of the Prophet Muhammad) as role models,” and to that I ask, why not look at both?

When it comes to entertainment, people find themselves in characters. So when they see their resolve, their strength, blood, sweat, and tears, they feel inspired to at least make some kind of effort or change in their lives.

Yes, this is primarily focusing on anime and manga, but we need to look past this medium just a bit. The whole purpose of our platform was to find Muslims who enjoyed pop culture. We have been so lucky to find some who enjoy pop culture, and have run into others who don’t agree or believe we shouldn’t even engage.

Are there questionable scenes in anime and manga? Absolutely! The same way there are questionable scenes in live action. The same way there are questionable leaders in our communities, but Islamically, we are told to take the good and leave the bad, right?

Just because you can’t see God in something, doesn’t mean He isn’t there.