Is Music in Islam Prohibited or Permissible?

Question

In the subject of musical instruments, scholars disagree on the matter. Some of them permit all sorts of singing, be it accompanied with musical instruments or not, and even consider it recommended. A second group of scholars permit singing only when is not accompanied with a musical instrument.

http://www.mynaraps.com/music.htm

http://us.f533.mail.yahoo.com/ym/ShowLetter?MsgId=8641_19229616_254148_1787_21424_0_60061_63735_1301958588&Idx=0&YY=38698&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&inc=25&order=down&sort=date&pos=0&view=a&head=b&box=Samo%20islam%20i%20historija

http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?cid=1119503544202&pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar%2FFatwaE%2FPrintFatwaE

Answer 1

Peace and blessings be upon all readers!

You answered your own question. Islam teaches us that if there are some scholars who say one thing and another scholars who say another thing (shouldn't be like that, but it happens), then YOU decide personally which scholars to believe--- because scholars are supposed to be highly educated in their field so they know what they're talking about. You can follow any of them if you agree with them personally, as long as you're not breaking any Islamic laws.
But remember that Islam is mainly based on logic and common sense. So, if the songs you're hearing have negative words in them and are suggestive in any way, then you are not supposed to hear them. We're told not to over-listen to music so that our minds don't neglect God and our responsibility towards Him.
I asked a very well-educated Muslim teacher once if it's ok for me to become a singer as is my dream. This is his answer:

"By the sound of your question, it seems like you’ve
got a lot on your mind about this singing stuff. Well,
let me first say that you can sing. Singing is only
Haram in two cases. The first is when you’re singing
about doing something Haram, or your lyrics of
the song call someone else to do Haram. The second
case is where a woman sings in front of or in the
presence of a man, and by doing so, she causes lustful
desire in him. In both cases, listening and singing is
haram.
"So, let’s say you just sang about good things, and no
Haram things. Then you could do that. I would be
cautious about singing in audiences because you would
be on display in front of men, who would begin to
desire you. That would be very blameworthy. Let’s say
you do like some Muslim artists in this country and
in Britian do, and just make albums, without doing
performances. They do quite well. So you should it if
you are sure that you will stay away from the haram,
and if you use the money for purposes that help those
in need, then you’re just building a better place for
you in paradise."

Do you know about Sami Yusuf? He's a well-educated Muslim who sings decent songs that don't call for anything haraam. Google him up or something if you don't know who he is. I consider him a great role model for the future Muslim singers and for Muslims in general.

Then there's my sister who was told by some Muslims that she cannot play the violin, which is her passion. She gave it up because of that, but then there's Sami Yousuf who's a good Muslim but plays the violin. Hence, it's up to you: Some Muslim scholars teach that Islam is against music while others say it's not. Then you decide for yourself, and whichever decision you choose, I can safely assure you that you'll not be wrong so long as the music is not "suggestive" in any way. Same goes for the movies, tv shows, vidoes you watch; same goes for the types of dances allowed in Islam. As long as the female is not dancing to those males she's not allowed to dance to (anyone who's not her husband, brother, father, son, etc.), she's Islamically safe.

I'm glad you asked the question, and may Allah help you and all of us find the answer that will please Allah.
Peace and blessings be upon all readers! :D

Answer 2

The answer of your question would probably vary from country to country and from person to person since there is no strict rule written in the book.Sometimes multiple interpretation is possible and in some countries traditions and people's own notions got included in the interpretation so differences occur.So music can be prohibited in some countries but I don't think the rule is solely relied on religion.(This is probably what happens when religion and politics get mixed.)

In secular governments not a single branch of art is prohibited.
And if you question is actually about whether music is forbidden in the book or not...No.Art is even encouraged since it purifies the mind and spirit at the same time.It gives a change for people to produce something beautiful,something others enjoy to see,hear or read,it keeps the mind off from ill thoughts and gives people to do something in their spare times.

There are some restrictions of course.When we say art we talk about a form of activity that produces happiness,beauty and such good emotions. Anything good,anything that gives other and you good feelings is good and allowed as long as it does not harm anyone.

Answer 3

I have always believed that the answers to such questions as lead to dispute lies in quest. One should look for the answer by study and applying one's own mind.
Being an avid reader of the Quran for some time now, I think you should take comfort in the logical statement that obscene music would not be tolerated in any religion because of its content however there is nothing wrong with normal music as it cannot have any lasting effects on you or the people around you. Obscene music on the other hand is not good when the sound is blasting through to the child's room next door and hence objections on that make sense.
There are sayings of the Prophet linked to prohibition of music but no one can claim their authenticity; all answers lie in the Quran it self, even if they are not overtly stated. And technically the Quran's authenticity is viuchsafed for by God himself.
Cheers.

Answer 4

Yes because music is considered the language of Shatan(Devil). Which is true if u look at what happens to ppl when they here it... they start dacing and all the crappy stuff. But without instruments it is allowed, and it should be about something allowed in Islam , like about the Prophets or God.

Answer 5

firstly, get the hell out of here pcpy. dont you read the Yahoo! Answers Community Guidelines when posting? duh!

now, back to answering the question. islam is a simple religion. in islam, everything is lawful except for those which have been explicitly prohibited. this is among one of the most basic concepts in syariah (Islamic law). so then, is music prohibited? there is no explicit prohibition of music in the holy Quran although the Prophet (peace be upon him) did mention something that made it disliked. but as long as we are not hindered by music in performing our religious obligations, i.e. daily prayers, i think we can all enjoy obscene-free music, especially those which call us to remember God and not to forget, inspirational and soothing kind of music, for indeed, God is Most Gracious and Most Merciful.

Answer 6

I asked Sheikh Bilal this once at my school. He gave me a simple way to answer it myself. Ask yourself if the music ever tells you to do anything good, makes you feel good about yourself or inspires you to do good things and think of Allah.

Then he said, now think of nasheeds or listening to quran and ask yourself the same questions.

I guess his point was that even if they disagree you can see for yourself that music doesnt really do any benefit, hence why I dont listen to music

**edit**
one other thing, you shouldn't really e asking us.. we're just people online and for all you know theres non-muslims pretending to be muslims and try to lead you astray. I'd rather ask the local sheiks and so on...

An-Nu’man ibn Bashir (RA) reported that he heard Allah’s messenger (SAW) say,

“Indeed, the halal(lawful) is clear and the haram (unlawful) is clear, but between them is (an area of) obscurity not known by many people. Whoever avoids obscurities has cleared his religion and honour (of any blame), but whoever falls into the obscurities falls into the haram, like a shepherd grazing (his animals) near a sanctuary and about to cross into it. Indeed, every king has his sanctuary, and Allah’s is that which he has forbidden. Certainly, there is a clump of flesh in the body, which if it is in order, the whole body is in order, and if it goes bad, the whole body goes bad. Surely it is the heart”


my point is if you're unsure, then its safest to keep away from it

Answer 7

I have read about music in Muslim countries, and from what I can tell, music is acceptable, at least in most Muslim countries. Remember, Islam is not just one big religion. That's like saying that all Christians hold ot the same practice and teachings. The main branches of Islam, Sunni and Shia, can be characterized similar to the Catholic/Orthodox and Protestant branches of Christianity, with many splinter groups in each.

Answer 8

If you look at the 3rd link from Islamonline, you will realize what type of music is allowed. Read carefully the "Conditions and Terms" under that link.


This matter is debatable and the scholars who take a stand on it, whether against or in favor, have their logical points to defend their arguments. We Muslims should not indulge in such issues with scholarly disagreements. Rather, we should keep boundaries in listening to music and not take it to extreme.

Answer 9

*laughs*
The idea that Muslims aren't allowed to listen to music is completely wrong. I'm a Muslim myself and I've never heard that idea before. Many Muslims listen to music, no matter what it is. Pop, rap, classic, rock, etc, are ALL ALLOWED. It's just that music today is kinda..well, dirty, and some Muslims think it should be better to do away with music. If you believe in God and don't DO what today's music says or expresses, then I think it's OK.
Music is just a way of expressing yourself, and Muslims don't have ANY problem with doing that whatsoever.

Hope that helps!
:)

Answer 10

Like most religions music in Islam is only permitted in worship of your god.
Music is a form of control, like it too much and you might stop thinking about your religion and start thinking for yourself, this is not permitted, as then you will find that all happiness does not come from God, and a man with an instrument and fine voice can move you like no prayer can.
Know why? Because he is real, provable and touchable.
Unlike Allah or whoever you call him nowadays.
But as a non believer you sheep are not allowed to listen to me are you.