Assalamualaikum, welcome back to our blog.
Before anything else, I would like to throw out a question, which you can answer within yourself. Why do we listen to music, anyway? What makes these sounds supposedly so special, that we believe we cannot live without it?
Music has always been a topic of debate among the Muslim community, with many arguments being put forward to justify its permissibility. Some scholars would argue that music, in its entirety, is not forbidden. However, a lot of others strongly oppose, and there is proof, from the Quran, as well as Hadeeths, that it is in fact strongly prohibited.
“And of mankind is he who purchases idle talks (i.e. music, singing) to mislead (men) from the path of Allah…” [Luqman 31:6]
And from another verse;
“[Allah said to Iblis:] And befool them gradually those whom you can among them with your voice (i.e. songs, music, and any other call for Allah’s disobedience)…” [al-Isra 17:64]
It is interpreted from the above that the mention of Satan’s voice refers to songs and musical instruments alike.
As for the scholars, the four Mazhabs agree that all musical instruments are haram.
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah have mercy on him) said: The view of the four Imams is that all kinds of musical instruments are haram.
It was reported in Sahih al-Bukhari and elsewhere that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said that there would be among his ummah those who would allow zina, silk, alcohol and musical instruments, and he said that they would be transformed into monkeys and pigs… None of the followers of the imams mentioned any dispute concerning the matter of music. (al-Majmu’, 11/576).
However, it is mentioned in Hadeeths that the Prophet PBUH allowed women and children to sing during weddings, and Eid as well.
The Prophet (PBUH) approved of young girls singing at ‘Eid, as stated in the hadith: “So that the mushrikin will know that in our religion there is room for relaxation.”
So, it is our duty to follow the teachings of our religion and to act in accordance with its principles. And in this case, the principle is that music is forbidden in Islam.
The reason why music is considered haram in Islam is because it has the potential to lead a person away from the teachings of Allah. Music is often associated with indecent behaviors and immoral acts, and it can be a source of distraction from the more important responsibilities in life. It can also be addictive and can consume a person’s time and energy, leaving little room for spirituality and devotion to Allah.
Music not only corrupts the mind, but it weakens one’s Iman, and it strays us farther from the Quran. For it is also said that music and the Quran cannot coexist in a person’s heart.
Although we live in a world where avoiding music can be very hard, it is still important for us to do our best. Rather than listening to music, we can try to replace it with the recitation of the Quran, for the Quran soothes our hearts.
In conclusion, it is best to stay away from anything that brings debates amongst the scholars of Islam, and music is such.
And Allaah knows best. May Allah bless and grant peace to His Messenger who made clear the path of the believers, and to his Companions and those who follow them in truth until the Day of Judgement.
