Why Music is Haram in Islam
Music is a universal language that can express emotions, feelings and thoughts. It can also be a source of entertainment, relaxation and enjoyment. However, not all forms of music are permissible in Islam. In fact, many Muslims believe that music is haram (forbidden) and that it can lead to sin and deviation from the right path. But why is music haram in Islam? What are the evidences from the Quran and Sunnah that support this view? And what are the exceptions and alternatives to music in Islam? In this blog post, we will try to answer these questions and more.
Table of Contents
- Evidences from the Quran and Sunnah
- Reasons behind the prohibition of music
- Exceptions and alternatives to music
- Conclusion
- Disclaimer
- FAQs
Evidences from the Quran and Sunnah
The Quran does not explicitly mention music or musical instruments. However, some verses have been interpreted by scholars as referring to music or its effects. For example:
"And of mankind is he who purchases idle talks (Lahw Al-Hadith) to mislead (men) from the Path of Allah without knowledge, and takes it (the Path of Allah, or the Verses of the Quran) by way of mockery. For such there will be a humiliating torment (in the Hell-fire)." [Quran 31:6]
The term "Lahw Al-Hadith" has been explained by some companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and early scholars as meaning singing or music. For instance, Ibn Abbas, Ibn Masud, Mujahid and Ikrimah (may Allah be pleased with them) said that "Lahw Al-Hadith" in this verse is singing. Ibn Masud (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "By Allah, whom there is no God except Him, idle talk is singing." [Tafsir Ibn Kathir]
Another verse that has been used as evidence for the prohibition of music is:
"And among mankind is he who disputes concerning Allah, without knowledge, and follows every rebellious (disobedient to Allah) Shaitan (devil) (devoid of each and every kind of good). For him (the devil) it is decreed that whosoever follows him, he will mislead him, and will drive him to the torment of the Fire." [Quran 22:3-4]
The word "Shaitan" in this verse has been interpreted by some scholars as meaning musical instruments or singers. For example, Imam Al-Qurtubi (may Allah have mercy on him) said in his Tafsir: "The meaning of Shaitan here is musical instruments and singers, as it was narrated by Al-Hasan Al-Basri (may Allah have mercy on him) from Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him)." [Tafsir Al-Qurtubi]
As for the Sunnah, there are several authentic hadiths that clearly indicate that music is haram in Islam. For example:
Narrated Abu Amir or Abu Malik Al-Ashari: that he heard the Prophet (peace be upon him) saying: "From among my followers there will be some people who will consider illegal sexual intercourse, the wearing of silk, the drinking of alcoholic drinks and the use of musical instruments as lawful. And there will be some people who will stay near the side of a mountain and in the evening their shepherd will come to them with their sheep and ask them for something but they will say to him: 'Return to us tomorrow.' Allah will destroy them during the night and will let the mountain fall on them, and He will transform the rest of them into monkeys and pigs and they will remain so till the Day of Resurrection." [Sahih Al-Bukhari]
This hadith clearly states that musical instruments are among the things that some people will regard as lawful, while they are actually unlawful in Islam. The Prophet (peace be upon him) also warned of a severe punishment for those who indulge in music and other sins.
Narrated Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him): that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "There will be a group of people from my nation who will be transformed into monkeys and swine." They said: "O Messenger of Allah, do they not testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that you are the Messenger of Allah?" He said: "Yes. And they pray, fast, and perform Hajj." They said: "Then what is their problem?" He said: "They use musical instruments, drums and female singers. (One day) they will go to sleep after a night of drinking and having fun. In the morning, they will be transformed (by Allah) into monkeys and swine." [Ighathat Al-Lahfan by Ibn Al-Qayyim]
This hadith also shows that music is a cause for the transformation of some people into monkeys and swine, which is a sign of Allah's wrath and curse. The hadith also implies that music can nullify one's good deeds, even if one performs the obligatory acts of worship.
Reasons behind the prohibition of music
There are many reasons why music is haram in Islam. Some of them are:
- Music can distract one from the remembrance of Allah and His commands. Allah says: "And whosoever turns away (blinds himself) from the remembrance of the Most Beneficent (Allah), We appoint for him Shaitan (Satan - devil) to be a Qarin (an intimate companion) to him." [Quran 43:36]
- Music can incite one to commit sins and immoralities, such as adultery, fornication, drinking alcohol, etc. Allah says: "O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), gambling, Al-Ansab (stone altars for sacrifices to idols etc.), and Al-Azlam (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaitan's (Satan's) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful." [Quran 5:90]
- Music can corrupt one's heart and mind, and weaken one's faith and morals. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Singing sprouts hypocrisy in the heart as rain sprouts plants." [Sunan Abu Dawud]
- Music can waste one's time and energy, and prevent one from doing beneficial things. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "There are two blessings which many people lose: (They are) health and free time for doing good." [Sahih Al-Bukhari]
- Music can imitate the disbelievers and their ways, which is forbidden in Islam. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever imitates a people is one of them." [Sunan Abu Dawud]
Exceptions and alternatives to music
Although music is generally haram in Islam, there are some exceptions and alternatives that are permissible. Some of them are:
- The recitation of the Quran in a melodious voice. This is not considered as music, but as a form of worship and a way of beautifying the words of Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Beautify the Quran with your voices." [Sunan Abu Dawud]
- The call to prayer (Adhan) and the supplications after it. These are also not considered as music, but as a means of inviting people to prayer and praising Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The muezzin will receive forgiveness to the extent to which his voice reaches, and every moist and dry place will testify on his behalf; and he who attends (the congregation of) prayer will have twenty-five prayers recorded for him and will have expiation for sins committed between every two times of prayer." [Sunan At-Tirmidhi]
- The chanting of praises to Allah (Tasbih), glorifying Him (Takbir), declaring His oneness (Tahlil),seeking His forgiveness (Istighfar), and sending blessings upon the Prophet (Salawat). These are also not considered as music, but as a way of remembering Allah and His Messenger. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Shall I not inform you of the best of your deeds, the most pure in the sight of your Lord, the highest in rank, better for you than spending gold and silver, better for you than meeting your enemies and striking their necks?" They said: "Yes, O Messenger of Allah." He said: "Remembrance of Allah (Dhikr)." [Sunan At-Tirmidhi]
- The singing of Islamic songs (Nasheeds) or poems (Qasidas) that do not contain any unlawful words or meanings, and that are performed without musical instruments or female singers. These are considered as permissible forms of entertainment and education, as long as they do not distract one from the obligatory duties or lead to any sin. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "There is no harm in singing good songs." [Musnad Ahmad]
- The use of some simple instruments, such as the duff (a type of drum), that do not produce musical sounds, and that are used only on certain occasions, such as weddings, Eid festivals, or battles. These are considered as permissible forms of celebration and motivation, as long as they do not exceed the limits or cause any harm. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Duff is permissible for women on Eid days and at weddings." [Sunan Ibn Majah]
Conclusion
Music is haram in Islam because it can have negative effects on one's faith, morals, and behavior. It can also distract one from the remembrance of Allah and His commands, and lead one to commit sins and immoralities. The Quran and Sunnah provide clear evidences for the prohibition of music, and warn of a severe punishment for those who indulge in it. However, there are some exceptions and alternatives to music that are permissible in Islam, such as the recitation of the Quran, the call to prayer, the remembrance of Allah, the singing of Islamic songs or poems, and the use of some simple instruments on certain occasions. These are considered as lawful forms of worship, entertainment, education, celebration, and motivation, as long as they do not violate the Islamic principles or cause any harm.
Disclaimer
This blog post is based on the opinions and interpretations of some scholars and sources. It is not intended to be a definitive or authoritative ruling on the issue of music in Islam. There may be other views and evidences that differ from or contradict what has been mentioned here. Therefore, readers are advised to consult with qualified scholars and experts before making any decisions or judgments regarding this matter.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about music in Islam:
- Is listening to music a major sin in Islam?
Some scholars consider listening to music a major sin in Islam, while others consider it a minor sin or a disliked act. However, all agree that it is a sin that should be avoided and repented from. - Is music haram for all Muslims or only for some?
Music is haram for all Muslims who believe in the Quran and Sunnah as sources of guidance and legislation. However, some Muslims may have different opinions or interpretations regarding this issue due to their level of knowledge, understanding, or practice. - Is music haram in all situations or only in some?
Music is haram in all situations that involve musical instruments or female singers, or that contain unlawful words or meanings, or that distract one from the obligatory duties or lead to any sin. However, there are some situations that allow some forms of singing or chanting without musical instruments or female singers, such as weddings, Eid festivals, battles, etc. - Is music haram for children or only for adults?
Music is haram for children as well as adults, because it can affect their faith, morals, and behavior from an early age. However, children may not be held accountable for their actions until they reach puberty or maturity. - Is music haram for non-Muslims or only for Muslims?
Music is haram for non-Muslims as well as Muslims,because it can prevent them from recognizing the truth and accepting Islam. However, non-Muslims may not be judged by the same standards as Muslims, and they may have different criteria for salvation or condemnation.
That's all for this blog post. I hope you found it informative and useful. If you have any comments, questions, or feedback, please feel free to share them with me. And don't forget to visit Mr Wikki for more interesting and helpful articles on various topics. Thank you for reading and have a nice day.