Music in Islam: What’s Allowed?
Music has always been a subject of discussion in Islamic teachings, with scholars debating its permissibility based on evidence from the Quran and Hadith.
While some view music as a form of art that can uplift the soul, others see it as a potential distraction from the remembrance of Allah. Understanding Islam’s stance on music requires careful examination of primary sources and the context in which they were revealed.
The Quran hints at the potential harms of certain forms of entertainment. For example, Allah says:
وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يَشۡتَرِي لَهۡوَ ٱلۡحَدِيثِ لِيُضِلَّ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ
“And among the people is he who buys idle talk to mislead others from the way of Allah.” (Surah Luqman 31:6). Some scholars interpret “idle talk” as music when it leads to sin.
Similarly, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned against misuse of musical instruments:
لَيَكُونَنَّ مِنْ أُمَّتِي أَقْوَامٌ يَسْتَحِلُّونَ… وَالْمَعَازِفَ
“There will be among my followers people who will consider permissible… musical instruments.” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 5590).
This post explores the conditions under which music may be permissible or prohibited in Islam, offering insights from Islamic scriptures and scholarly interpretations.
The Islamic Perspective on Music
Islam provides guidance on all aspects of life, including arts and entertainment. When it comes to music, the views among scholars vary widely, rooted in their interpretation of Islamic texts.
The core question revolves around whether music aligns with or distracts from the objectives of Shariah (Islamic law).
Quranic References Related to Music
Though the Quran does not explicitly mention music, scholars often cite verses interpreted to discuss activities involving amusement and distraction. Among the frequently quoted verses is:
Surah Luqman (31:6):
Arabic:
وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يَشۡتَرِي لَهۡوَ ٱلۡحَدِيثِ لِيُضِلَّ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ بِغَيۡرِ عِلۡمٖ وَيَتَّخِذَهَا هُزُوٗاۚ أُوْلَٰٓئِكَ لَهُمۡ عَذَابٞ مُّهِينٞ
Translation:
“And among the people is he who buys idle talk to mislead others from the way of Allah without knowledge and takes it in ridicule. Those will have a humiliating punishment.”
Explanation:
Some scholars, including Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud (RA), interpreted “idle talk” (لَهْوَ ٱلۡحَدِيثِ) as referring to music, particularly when it leads to heedlessness or sinful behavior. Others argue that this phrase refers to all forms of useless or distracting speech, not music alone.
Surah Al-Isra (17:64):
Arabic:
وَٱسۡتَفۡزِزۡ مَنِ ٱسۡتَطَعۡتَ مِنۡهُم بِصَوۡتِكَ وَأَجۡلِبۡ عَلَيۡهِم بِخَيۡلِكَ وَرَجِلِكَ وَشَٰرِكۡهُمۡ فِي ٱلۡأَمۡوَٰلِ وَٱلۡأَوۡلَٰدِ وَعِدۡهُمۡۚ وَمَا يَعِدُهُمُ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنُ إِلَّا غُرُورًا
Translation:
“And incite whoever you can among them with your voice and assault them with your horses and foot soldiers and become a partner in their wealth and their children and promise them. But Satan does not promise them except delusion.”
Explanation:
Some scholars argue that “your voice” in this verse refers to anything that distracts people from the remembrance of Allah, potentially including inappropriate music or sounds.
Hadith on Music
The Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ provides more direct references to music. Below are significant narrations on the topic:
Prohibition of Musical Instruments:
Arabic:
لَيَكُونَنَّ مِنْ أُمَّتِي أَقْوَامٌ يَسْتَحِلُّونَ الْحِرَ وَالْحَرِيرَ وَالْخَمْرَ وَالْمَعَازِفَ
Translation:
“There will be among my followers people who will consider as permissible illegal sexual intercourse, the wearing of silk, the drinking of alcoholic drinks, and the use of musical instruments.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 5590)
Explanation:
This Hadith is often cited to suggest the prohibition of musical instruments, particularly when they are associated with sinful or immoral behavior.
Singing in Permissible Contexts:
Arabic:
إِنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ لِعَائِشَةَ: «أَتَتَكُمْ جَارِيَةٌ فَقَالَتْ: إِنَّمَا هِيَ حَبَشِيَّةٌ فَأَجِيبُوهَا بِغِنَاءٍ».
Translation:
“The Prophet ﷺ said to Aisha: ‘A slave girl has come to you, and she says, ‘She is a Habashiyah (Abyssinian), so respond to her with singing.'”
(Sunan al-Nasa’i: 1596)
Explanation:
This Hadith demonstrates that singing, in some cases, such as celebrations or cultural traditions, was not prohibited.
Singing by Young Girls on Eid:
Arabic:
دَخَلَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ وَعِنْدَ عَائِشَةَ جَارِيَتَانِ فِي أَيَّامِ مِنًى تُغَنِّيَانِ وَتَضْرِبَانِ وَالنَّبِيُّ مُتَغَشٍّ فِي ثَوْبِهِ
Translation:
“Abu Bakr entered (the house) while two young girls were beating the tambourine and singing during the days of Mina, and the Prophet ﷺ was lying down covered with his garment.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 987)
Explanation:
This Hadith suggests that musical expressions like singing and playing tambourines were allowed on specific joyous occasions, such as Eid.
Opinions of Scholars on Music
Scholars’ interpretations of the Quran and Hadith have led to varying opinions on the permissibility of music in Islam:
Scholars Who Prohibit Music:
- Imam Al-Ghazali: In “Ihya Ulum al-Din,” he mentions that music leading to sin or distraction from worship is impermissible.
- Ibn Taymiyyah: He argued that most forms of music are harmful to the soul and incompatible with the goals of Shariah.
Scholars Who Allow Music with Conditions:
- Imam Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali: He distinguished between music that incites sinful behavior and music that inspires good.
- Modern Scholars: Some contemporary scholars argue that music can be permissible if the content is positive, free of obscenity, and does not distract from religious obligations.
Conditions for Permissible Music
In Islam, the permissibility of music has been a subject of scholarly debate, and many agree that music must adhere to certain conditions to be deemed permissible.
These conditions revolve around the content, purpose, and context in which the music is used. When music aligns with Islamic values and avoids harmful or sinful elements, some scholars consider it permissible.
One of the key conditions is the content of the music. Songs or compositions that promote vulgarity, immorality, or messages contrary to Islamic teachings are impermissible. Allah warns against distractions that lead to sin:
وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يَشۡتَرِي لَهۡوَ ٱلۡحَدِيثِ لِيُضِلَّ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ
“And among the people is he who buys idle talk to mislead others from the way of Allah.” (Surah Luqman 31:6). Many scholars interpret “idle talk” to include music that encourages sinful behavior.
The purpose of music also matters. If it is used to celebrate halal occasions, such as weddings or Eid, with permissible instruments like the duff, it is generally allowed. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ allowed singing and tambourine playing during Eid:
إِنَّ لِكُلِّ قَوْمٍ عِيدًا وَهَذَا عِيدُنَا
“Every nation has its festival, and this is our festival.” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 952).
Additionally, music should not distract from worship or lead to neglect of religious duties. Believers are reminded:
وَذَكِرۡ رَبَّكَ كَثِيرٗا
“And remember your Lord much.” (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:41).
By fulfilling these conditions, music can serve as a permissible and even uplifting form of expression within Islamic boundaries.
Cultural and Regional Practices
Cultural and regional practices in Islam can vary significantly due to diverse traditions, customs, and interpretations of Islamic teachings. The Quran and Hadith provide the foundational guidance for Muslims worldwide, but the application of these teachings is often shaped by local cultural contexts.
For example, in some regions, modest clothing is interpreted in unique ways based on cultural norms, but all interpretations are rooted in the Quran’s general guidance on modesty, such as in Surah An-Nur (24:31), which advises both men and women to “lower their gaze and guard their private parts.”
Similarly, regional customs in prayer, such as different styles of recitation or variations in the arrangement of congregational prayers, are influenced by local traditions but remain consistent with the principles outlined in Hadith.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said in a famous Hadith, “Pray as you have seen me pray” (Sahih Bukhari), emphasizing uniformity in essential practices like prayer.
However, practices such as festivals, marriage ceremonies, and food rituals may vary widely. For instance, in some cultures, the celebration of Eid involves different types of food or music.
These cultural expressions, while rooted in Islamic teachings, reflect the diversity and adaptability of Islam across different regions, balancing tradition with religious principles.
Practical Guidance for Muslims
For Muslims navigating this issue, the following steps may help:
- Seek Knowledge: Study the Quran, Hadith, and scholarly opinions on music to understand the different perspectives.
- Assess Impact: Reflect on how music affects your faith, actions, and relationship with Allah.
- Follow Your Heart: Make decisions based on sincere intentions and what brings you closer to Allah.
- Consult a Scholar: If in doubt, seek guidance from knowledgeable scholars who understand your context.
Conclusion
The topic of music in Islam is a complex one with diverse opinions among scholars. While some consider it impermissible, others allow it within specific guidelines.
Ultimately, the permissibility of music depends on its content, purpose, and impact on one’s spiritual and moral well-being. Muslims are encouraged to approach the matter with caution, sincerity, and a focus on strengthening their relationship with Allah.
Understanding the Quranic and Hadith references, as well as considering the wisdom of scholarly opinions, can help navigate this subject effectively. Whether permissible or not in individual contexts, music should never distract from the primary purpose of a Muslim’s life—seeking Allah’s pleasure and guidance.
Let this be an opportunity for self-reflection and adherence to Islamic values in all forms of entertainment and leisure.
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Internal Resources and Services
- The Importance of Patience in Islam is a central theme in the teachings of the Quran and Hadith, as elaborated in this article.
- Islam offers beautiful guidelines on gender interactions, and to explore how these principles promote respect and harmony, you can read the detailed article Gender Interactions in Islam.
- Islam beautifully illustrates the balance between mercy and Forgiveness in Islamic teachings, offering guidance for every believer.
- Modesty is an integral part of a Muslim’s character, especially in online interactions. Learn more about the Modesty in the Digital Age.
- Understanding the rulings on Music in Islam helps clarify what is allowed and what should be avoided according to Islamic teachings.
External Resources
- Visit Al-Islam.org for more insights into scholarly discussions about music in Islamic traditions.
- Check out Quran.com to review Quranic verses and interpretations related to music.
- Learn more about the cultural and historical context of music in Islam from BBC Religions.
- Explore strategies for maintaining modesty in the digital era with insights from Islamic Online University.