Edit on request of Grace seeker himself: This thread covers significantly more issue than just music which in has been sufficiently addressed over the last several month; new posters are requested to join the thread in progress on the last page, rather then just repeating what has already been stated numerous times among the many pages of this thread.
Having read the Quran and other books about Islam, and having been on these boards a short period of time there are many things I have learned about Islam. Some I agree with, some I don't. Much I respect. A few things I am still leary of.
And then there are those things that I still don't fully understand, or at least don't understand the reasoning behind them. (Perhaps for some there is none; maybe it is just what is commanded.)
First, among the things I am curious about, is the role of music, or maybe I should say the absence of a role for music. Music plays an important part in the life and worship of both Christianity and Judaism. If Islam is the same message that would have been presented by all of the prophets, and music had such an important place previously in the practice of worship, why didn't those prophets condemn it? And since they didn't, why is it not allowed now? And yet, the call to worship itself sounds like a type of chant, isn't this a form of music?
Is it just in worship that music is not allowed? On the forums I hear people talk about music as if it is itself an evil thing? Yet I know that many Muslims enjoy music, that folk music is central to the lives of many people scattered around the world in nearly every country, and these include Muslims. The whirling dervishes of Turkey are supposedly a type of worship and are most certainly accompanied to music. Some people grow rich by marketing special types of music specifically to Muslims. So, many of these things just don't fit together for me.
What is halal and what is haram in regards to music? What makes one halal and the other haram?
Last edited by Abdul Fattah; 07-27-2007 at 12:22 AM.
So, you can draw ocean waves and rocks and stones and petrfied trees, but not living trees or grass blowing in the wind?
You can draw any tree- the only prohibition is on things that have a soul, like humans and animals (and I guess angels, not like we know what they look like anyway...)
So Mickey Mouse? He looks life-like in many respects, but I don't know any mice that actually look like him.
What do you mean animals that have a soul? I'm not ready for a tangent, but does Islam understand animals to have a soul?
How does this concept of the complete form work? If I am drawing a picture of a person on a sheet of paper, the most I can draw is the front half, not the complete form (front, side, and back). How about if I only draw the face and shoulders, and not the whole body?
The Hanbalî jurist Ibn Qudâmah writes: “If a vital part of the animal is deleted, such as its chest area or its belly, or the head was drawn separate from the body, then it is not prohibited. However, if the deleted part does not prevent such a creature from living, such as removing the eye, hand, or leg, then it is still a complete image and is prohibited.” [al-Mughnî (10/199)]
The Hanbalî jurist Ibn Qudâmah writes: “If a vital part of the animal is deleted, such as its chest area or its belly, or the head was drawn separate from the body, then it is not prohibited. However, if the deleted part does not prevent such a creature from living, such as removing the eye, hand, or leg, then it is still a complete image and is prohibited.” [al-Mughnî (10/199)]
So, based on this, one could create a bust, such as the head of Queen of Elizabeth, as long as it is just her head.
But one could not create a drawing of a flying dragon, even though we know there are no such things as flying dragons, if it was the complete image of whatever in your mind you imagined a flying dragon would look like.
And, if I read the article correctly, I would make the same interpretation for Mickey Mouse that I have for the dragon.
So, based on this, one could create a bust, such as the head of Queen of Elizabeth, as long as it is just her head.
Like I said, I'm no expert, but I don't think it means that we should go around drawing a headless Queen Elizabeth... caution should still be applied, and it would be in cases of need when the rule is applied, such as for books for students studying animals and the human body etc.
format_quote Originally Posted by PurestAmbrosia
Everything has a soul... everything on heaven and on earth worships Allah....
Even though everything worships God, I don't think that means they have souls, because Ibn `Abbâs said: “Draw trees and whatever has no soul." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî]. If everything had a souls, that would include trees.
Just wanna add this link here, its very detailed so please look into it Insha'Allah:
[PIE]In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,
The worst case scenario in the event of being inflicted with a disease is when the one involved refuses to believe that he has been inflicted with that disease. The way this phenomenon is accepted and recognised in diseases and illnesses that affect the physical body, it is also true with regards to spiritual diseases and ailments.
When a person commits a sin (may Allah save us all) believing that a sin is being committed and feels regret and remorse in the heart, then this is far better then committing the sin and believing it to be lawful (halal). In the former situation, only one sin is being committed, and it is very likely that the individual may repent out of the remorse felt in the heart. In the latter case, however, in addition to the sin being committed, there is the greater sin of trying to justify it. Normally, such an individual does not receive the guidance to repent from his sin. (May Allah save us all, Ameen).
Music and Singing?
The case with music and unlawful singing is the same. It has been decisively prohibited in Shariah, as the evidences mentioned further along will show. Yet there are individuals that are not ready to believe that it is Haram.
In the modern era, music has spread to such an extent that nobody is free from it. Individuals are confronted with situations where they are forced to listen to music. It is played nearly in all department stores and supermarkets. If you sit in a taxi, make a phone call or even walk down the street, you will not be saved from this evil. Young Muslims drive around in their cars with the music fully blasted. The increasing popularity of music, which is prevalent in our society, poses a great threat to the Muslims.
Music is a direct ploy of the Non-Muslims. One of the main causes for the decline of the Muslims is their involvement in useless entertainment. Today we see that Muslims are involved, and at the forefront perhaps, of many immoralities and evils. The spiritual power which once was the trait of a Muslim is nowhere to be seen. One of the main reasons for this is music and useless entertainment.
Harms and effects of music
We should be aware that nothing has been prohibited by the Almighty Creator except that which is harmful to the Muslims and the society as a whole. There are great harms and ill-effects of music.
Islam totally forbids adultery and also those things that lead to it. Allah Most High says:
“And do not come near to adultery, for it is a shameful deed and an evil, opening the road (to other evils)” (al-Isra, 32).
Islam does not only prohibit adultery and fornication, but also those things that may lead to it. This is the reason why the Qur’an orders Muslim men and Women to lower their gazes. It prohibits one from being alone with someone from the opposite sex (khalwa). Informal interaction with the opposite sex has also been made unlawful.
This is also one of the main reasons for the prohibition of music, as it effects one’s emotions, creates arousal, passion and excitement, and also leads to various physiological changes in the person. It is a psychological proven fact that two things are instrumental in arousing the human sexual desire, one being the voice of a female (for males) and the other music.
This is the reason why Allah Most High says:
“O wives of the prophet! You are not like other women, if you are god-fearing. So do not be soft in speech. Lest in whose heart is disease should be moved with desire.” (Surah al-Ahzab, v. 32).
Thus, Islam forbids listening to the female voice with lust and desire. The great Hanafi Jurist, Ibn Abidin (Allah have mercy on him) states:
“It is permissible for women to converse with non-Mahram men at the time of need (and visa versa, m). However, what is not permissible is that they stretch, soften and raise their voice in a melodious way” (Radd al-Muhtar, V.1, P. 406).
Similarly, it is also unlawful for women to listen to the voice of non-Mahram men with lust and desire. One of the great western thinkers said: “the voice is one of the quickest ways that make a woman fall in love with a man. This is the reason why many women adore singers”.
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) was also wary of this fact when he said to the Companion Bara ibn Malik: “O Bara! Let not the women here your voice” (Kanz al-Ummal, 7/322). The same has also been reported from the Companion Anjasha (Allah be pleased with him).
Physical Effect of Music
Experiments carried out by doctors and researchers confirm that music is such that it does not only affect the brain, but each and every organ of the body. There is a close relationship between music and bodily movements.
It is also proved that music affects one’s emotions, increases arousal in terms of alertness and excitement and also leads to various psychological changes in the person. In a psychological experiment, it was found that listening to moderate type of music increased one’s normal heart beat, whilst listening to rock music the heart beat increased even further, yet people claim that music has no effect.
In conclusion, music and the instruments used for singing are a cause for arousing the sexual desire of an individual. It could lead a person to adultery and fornication. Therefore, Islam takes the preventive measure rather than suffer the consequences. This is also one of the principles of Islamic Jurisprudence, namely ‘blocking the means’ (sadd al-dhara'i). This is based on the idea of preventing an evil before it actually materializes, and is taken from the heart of the guidance of the Qur’an and Sunnah that, “Preventing harm is given precedence even to achieving possible benefits.”
Becoming Heedless of Allah
One of the harms of music is that it distracts one from his Creator. It serves as a temporary means of pleasure and satisfaction, which makes one forget who he really is and why he was created. This is the reason why musical instruments are known in the Arabic language as ‘malaahi’ meaning instruments that prevent one from the remembrance of Allah Almighty.
Human has been created for a noble purpose. Allah Most High says:
“I have created jinn and humans only that they serve (worship) me” (Surah al-Dhariyat, 56).
Music and temporary entertainments sink the human in physical pleasures and prevent him/her from true spiritual gains. In conclusion, music has a great role to play in preventing a human from realising the purpose of creation.
Un-Islamic Values
Another harm of music is that it instills the ideologies of the Non-Muslims in the heart and mind. The messages of today’s music follow a general theme of love, fornication, drugs and freedom.
We find that the whole world is obsessed with the Kufr idea of unrestrained freedom, i.e. freedom of speech and movement, etc… This idea of freedom, “it’s my life, I’ll do what I want” is a predominant theme of music today. It is used as a means of drilling western ideologies into the hearts and minds, which are totally contrary to Islamic values and teachings.
The Difference Between Legal Wisdom and Legal Reasons
The above are just some of the harms and evil effects of music. One must remember here that these are the wisdoms for the prohibition of music and not the reason (illah). The Shariah ruling is based upon the reason, and not the wisdom. In other words if the harms for the prohibition of music is taken care of, it does not make music permissible.
An example for this is that the wisdom behind the prohibition of wine and alcohol is that it creates enmity and hatred between people and it hinders one from the remembrance of Allah. The reason, however, is that it is an intoxicating substance. Now, if one was to say that wine will be Halal for me, as I will lock myself up after drinking wine, thus no destruction will be caused. Any sane person will conclude that he is wrong, as wine is Haram whether you cause any destruction and damage to others or not. The reason being, that the cause for the prohibition of wine is that it intoxicates you, regardless of whether the wisdom is present or not.
The same is with music. If one is saved from the abovementioned harms, even then music will still remain Haram. It can not be held lawful even if one is saved from its harms. This is a well established principle in the science of Usul al-Fiqh.
Ruling on musical instruments and unlawful singing
In the light of the evidences that will be mentioned later, the following are unlawful in Shariah:
a) Musical instruments that are exclusively designed for entertainment and dancing, and create charm, pleasure and bliss on their own (even without the singing), such as the drum, violin, guitar, fiddle, flute, lute, mandolin, harmonium, piano, string, etc… are impermissible to use under any circumstance.
There is a consensus of the whole Ummah on this. Since the first century, the Companions (sahaba), their followers (tabi’een), jurists (fuqaha) and the scholars have been generally unanimous on this ruling.
b) Singing that is a cause for a sin is also unlawful with the consensus of all the scholars, such as songs that prevent one from the obligatory (fard & wajib).
c) Any singing that is accompanied by other sins, such as songs that consist of unlawful, immoral, and sexual themes, or it is sang by non-Mahram women, etc will also be unlawful. This ruling is also with the consensus of all the scholars.
Evidences
There are numerous evidences in the Qur’an and Sunnah which support this view. We will attempt to look at a few:
1) Allah Most High says:
“And there are among men, those that purchase idle tales, to mislead (men) from the path of Allah and throw ridicule. For such there will be a humiliating punishment” (Surah Luqman, V. 6).
The great Companion Abd Allah ibn Mas’ud (Allah be pleased with him) states in the explanation of the word “idle tales”:
“By Allah its meaning is music” (Sunan al-Bayhaqi, 1/223 & authenticated by al-Hakim in his Mustadrak, 2/411).
Imam Ibn Abi Shayba related with his own transmission that He (Ibn Mas’ud) said:
“I swear By Him besides whom there is no God that it refers to singing” (132/5).
The great Companion and exegete of the Qur’an, Abd Allah ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with him) states:
“The meaning of the word is music, singing and the like” (Sunan al-Bayhaqi, 1/221& Musannaf Ibn abi Shayba, 132/5).
He also stated:
“Music and the purchase of female singers” (Musannaf Ibn Abi Shayba, 132/5).
Hasan al-Basri (Allah be pleased with him) said:
“This verse was revealed in relation to singing and musical instruments” (Tafsir ibn Kathir, 3/442)
The same explanation has also been narrated from Mujahid, Ikrima, Ibrahim Nakha’i, Mak’hul and others (Allah be pleased with them all).
The above verse of the Qur’an, along with the statements regarding its meaning is clear in the prohibition of music. It also serves as a severe warning for those who are involved in the trade of music in any way, shape or form, as Allah warned them of “Humiliating punishment”.
As for those that say, the verse refers to things that prevent one from the remembrance of Allah and not music, do not contradict the aforementioned explanation. The interpretation of the verse with “things that prevent one from the remembrance of Allah” is a more general interpretation which includes music and song, as one of the foremost things that stop you from the remembrance of Allah is music. This is the reason why the majority of the exegetes of the Qur’an have interpreted the verse with music only, or with all those acts that prevent one from the truth with music being at the forefront.
2) Allah Most High says whilst describing the attributes of the servants of the Most Compassionate (ibad al-Rahman):
“Those who witness no falsehood, and if they pass by futility, they pass by it with honourable avoidance” (Surah al-Furqan, V. 72).
Imam Abu Bakr al-Jassas relates from Sayyiduna Imam Abu Hanifah (Allah be pleased with him) that the meaning of “falsehood (zur)” is music & song, (Ahkam al-Qur’an, 3/428).
3) Allah Most High said to Shaytan:
“Lead to destruction those whom you can among them with your (seductive) voice” (Surah al-Isra, V.64).
One of the great exegete, Mujahid (Allah have mercy on him) interpreted the word “voice (sawt)” by music, singing, dancing and idle things. (Ruh al-Ma’ani, 15/111).
Imam Suyuti (Allah have mercy on him) quoted Mujahid as saying: “Voice (in this verse) is singing and flute” (al-Iklil fi istinbat al-tanzil, 1444).
Another exegete, Dahhak (Allah have mercy on him) also interpreted the word “Sawt” with flutes. (Qurtubi, al-Jami` li Ahkam al-Qur’an, 10/288).
Here also, a general interpretation can be given, as indeed some commentators of the Qur ' an have done, but this, as mentioned earlier, does not contradict the meaning given by Mujahid and Dahhak, as it is included in the more broad and general meaning.
Guidance of the Messenger of Allah
(Allah bless him & give him peace)
The are many Ahadith of the blessed Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) which prohibit music and the usage of musical instruments to the extent that some scholars have gathered approximately forty Ahadith, of which the chain of transmission of some is sound (sahih), some good (hasan) and some weak (da’if). We will only mention a few here:
1) Sayyiduna Abu Malik al-Ash’ari (Allah be pleased with him) reports that he heard the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) say: “There will appear people in my Ummah, who will hold adultery, silk, alcohol and musical instruments to be lawful” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
2) Abu Malik al-Ash’ari (Allah be pleased with him) narrates a similar type of Hadith, but a different wording. He reports that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “Soon there will be people from my Ummah who will consume alcohol, they will change its name (by regarding it permissible. m), on there heads will be instruments of music and singing. Allah will make the ground swallow them up, and turn them into monkeys and swine” (Sahih Ibn Hibban & Sunan Ibn Majah, with a sound chain of narration).
In the above two narrations, the word ma`azif is used. The scholars of the Arabic language are unanimous on the fact that it refers to musical instruments (Ibn Manzur, Lisan al-Arab, V.9, P.189).
The prohibition of musical instruments is clear in the two narrations. The first Hadith (recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari) mentions that certain people from the Ummah of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give peace) will try to justify the permissibility of using musical instruments, along with adultery, silk and alcohol, despite these things being unlawful (haram) in Shariah.
Moreover, by mentioning music with the likes of adultery and alcohol just shows how severe the sin is. The one who attempts to permit music is similar to the one who permits alcohol or adultery.
The second Hadith describes the fate of such people in that the ground will be ordered to swallow them and they will be turned into monkeys and swine (may Allah save us all). The warning is specific to those that will hold music, alcohol, silk and adultery to be permissible. It is something that should be of concern for those who try and justify any of these things.
Also, to say that music will only be unlawful if it is in combination with alcohol, adultery and silk is incorrect. If this was the case, then why is it that the exception is only for music from the four things? The same could also be said for adultery, alcohol and silk. One may then even justify that alcohol and adultery is also permissible unless if they are consumed in combination with the other things!
Thus the above two narrations of the beloved of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) are clear proof on the impermissibility of music and songs.
3) Imran ibn Husain (Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “This Ummah will experience the swallowing up of some people by the earth, metamorphosis of some into animals, and being rained upon with stones”. A man from amongst the Muslims asked: “O Messenger of Allah! When will this be?” He said: “When female singers and musical instruments appear and alcohol will (commonly) be consumed” (Recorded by Imam Tirmizi, Imam Ibn Majah in their respective Sunan collections, and the wording here is of Sunan Tirmizi).
4) Sayyiduna Ali ibn Talib (Allah be pleased with him) reports that the blessed Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “When my Ummah begin doing fifteen things, they will be inflicted with tribulations, and (from those 15 things He said): “When female singers and musical instruments become common” (Sunan Tirmizi).
5) Na’fi reports that once Abd Allah ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with them both) heard the sound of a Sheppard’s flute. He put his fingers in his ears, turned his mule away from the road and said: “O Nafi’! Can you hear? I (Nafi’) replied with the affirmative. He carried on walking (with his fingers in his ears) until I said: “the sound has ceased” He removed his fingers from his ears, came back on to the road and said: “I saw the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) doing the same when he heard the flute of the Sheppard” (Recorded by Imam Ahmad in his Musnad and Abu Dawud & Ibn Majah in their Sunans).
6) Abd Allah Ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “Verily Allah has forbidden alcohol, gambling, drum and guitar, and every intoxicant is haram” (Musnad Ahmad & Sunan Abu Dawud).
7) Abu Umama (Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give peace) said: “Allah Mighty and Majestic sent me as a guidance and mercy to believers and commanded me to do away with musical instruments, flutes, strings, crucifixes, and the affairs of the pre-Islamic period of ignorance” (Musnad Ahmad & Abu Dawud Tayalisi).
8) Abd Allah ibn Mas’ud (Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “Song makes hypocrisy grow in the heart as water does herbage” (Sunan al-Bayhaqi).
9) Anas (Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give peace) said: “On the day of Resurrection, Allah will pour molten lead into the ears of whoever sits listening to a songstress” (Recorded by Ibn Asakir & Ibn al-Misri).
10)Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “Bell is the flute of Shaytan” (Sahih Muslim & Sunan Abu Dawud).
There are many more narrations of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give peace) in prohibition of musical instruments and unlawful singing. I have merely mentioned a few as an example.
The imam of the Shafi`i school, Imam Ibn Hajr al-Haytami gathered all these Ahadith which approximately total to forty in his excellent work ‘ Kaff al-Ra’a an Muharramat al-Lahw wa al-Sama’ , and then said: “All of this is explicit and compelling textual evidence that musical instruments of all types are unlawful” (2/270).
Statements of the Fuqaha
The great Hanafi jurist al-Kasani states:
“If a singer gathers people around him only to entertain them with his voice, then he will not be considered a upright person (a’dil), even though if he does not consume alcohol, as he will be considered the leader of sinners. If however, he only sings to himself in order to eradicate loneliness, then there is nothing wrong in doing so.
As far as the one who uses musical instruments is concerned, if the instruments themselves are not unlawful, such as the bamboo and tambourine, then there is nothing wrong with that and he will still be considered upright. However, if the instrument is unlawful, such as the lute and the like, then he will not be considered a upright person (to be a witness in the court. m), as these instruments can never be considered lawful” (Bada’i al-Sana’i, 6/269).
It is stated in Khulasat al-Fatawa:
“Listening to the sound of musical instruments is unlawful (haram), as the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “Listening to songs is a sin” (4/345).
Ibn Humam, the great Hanafi Mujtahid makes a decisive statement in his famous Fath al-Qadir:
“Unlawful (haram) singing is when the theme of the song consists of unlawful things, such as the description of a particular living person’s beauty and features, the virtues of wine that provoke wine-drinking, the details and particulars of family affairs or those songs that mock and ridicule others.
However, songs that are free from such unlawful things and they consist of descriptions of the natural things, such as flowers and streams, etc… will be permissible. Yes, if they are accompanied by musical instruments, then it will be unlawful even if the song is full of advice and wisdom, not because of what the songs consist of, rather due to the musical instruments that are played with it.
And it is stated in the al-Mugni of Ibn Qudamah (Hanbali Madhhab) that musical instruments are of two types:
1) Unlawful, Such as those that are specially designed for entertainment and singing, like the flute and mandolin, etc…
2) Lawful, like the playing of the tambourine (daff) at weddings and other happy occasions” (Ibn Humam, Fath al-Qadir, 6/36).
The same has more or less been mentioned in the other Hanafi works also, such as al-Ikhtiyar, al-Bahr al-Ra’iq, al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya and others.
Imam an-Nawawi, the great Hadith and Shafi’i scholar states:
“It is unlawful to use or listen to musical instruments, such as, those which the drinkers are known for, like the mandolin, lute, cymbals, and flute. It is permissible to play the tambourine (daf) at weddings, circumcisions and other times, even if it has bells on its sides. Beating the Kuba, a long drum with a narrow middle, is also unlawful” (Mugni al-muhtaj, 4/429, & Reliance of the traveller, 775).
There are many other statements of the Fuqaha and scholars such al-Qurtubi, and each of the four Madhhabs, but due to the length of the article, I will suffice with the above.
As for those who hold music to be lawful usually present the Hadith of Sahih al-Bukhari in which two girls were singing in the presence of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) and Sayyida A’isha (Allah be pleased with her).
However, the permissibility of music can not be justified with this Hadith. The Hadith expert, Ibn Hajr al-Asqalani has refuted this claim in length in his Fath al-Bari, 2/345).
Firstly, theses young girls were singing without any unlawful musical instruments and secondly, the content of the song was regarding war, thus perfectly lawful. Also, they were not professional singers as the words of the Hadith clearly indicate.
Some try to justify music with the Hadith in which the permissibility of playing the tambourine (daf) is mentioned.
However, as stated in the works of the Fuqaha, to play the tambourine is permissible at weddings, as it is not designed for sole entertainment and pleasure, rather for announcement, etc…
Conclusion
In the light of the above evidences from the Qur’an, sayings of our beloved Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give peace) and texts of the various Fuqaha, the following is the decisive ruling with regards to music:
Musical instruments that are solely designed for entertainment are unlawful, with or without singing. However, to play the tambourine (daf) at weddings (and other occasions according to some fuqaha) will be permissible.
As far as the songs are concerned, if they consist of anything that is unlawful or they prevent one from the obligatory duties, then they will be unlawful. However, if they are free from the abovementioned things (and they are not accompanied by instruments), then it will be permissible to sing them.
And Allah Knows best
Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari, UK
[/PIE]
Last edited by InToTheRain; 02-22-2007 at 02:33 PM.
Even though everything worships God, I don't think that means they have souls, because Ibn `Abbâs said: “Draw trees and whatever has no soul." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî]. If everything had a souls, that would include trees.
I don't know. I think if you draw for sake of science it isn't Haram... lots of early islamic books included drawings. I believe there is a middle ground to everything. I have an art book here entitled Medicine a treasury of Art and literature and it includes some early islamic drawing detailing certain ailments and their cure....Maybe early Muslims knew something we don't?.... I do know they advanced in different fields if not all fields.. they were fearless..... so Allah A3lam..
Text without context is pretext If your opponent is of choleric temperament, seek to irritate him
Just wanna add this link here, its very detailed so please look into it Insha'Allah:
WnbSlveOfAllah, thank-you for your post. I think all of these things have already been covered, but you have now presented them in one place.
I get that there are types of music where the content is haraam. Of course, there is music where the content itself is not haraam. But then, I, also, get that music can be a very effective tool (whether with that intent or not is unimportant) to mislead people into haraam activities. And in that sense music becomes haraam again. I remain unconvinced that all music does this. I think there are types of music that do not lead to haraam, and so I do not see what would be wrong with them. But, my view is irrelevant. I was asking how it is understood within Islam, and within Islam it does seem that even if not in the Qu'ran, then at least in the hadiths of the prophet that nearly all music is haraam. Whether there might be some cases wherein music is permitted seems to be disputed based on which scholar you happen to read. And while I think that the conclusions which are garnered from some of the hadiths are rather forced and not so clear as they are interpreted to be, my view on this too is irrelevant. I'm not desiring to enter into such an internal debate. Though I may disagree with the reasoning behind it, for me the question is settled that on the whole music is generally not to be a part of Islam, whether for worship, celebration (with perhaps some exceptions), therapy, and certainly not for entertainment.
There is one part of your presentation against music that leads me to ask another question, however.
One of the harms of music is that it distracts one from his Creator. It serves as a temporary means of pleasure and satisfaction, which makes one forget who he really is and why he was created. This is the reason why musical instruments are known in the Arabic language as ‘malaahi’ meaning instruments that prevent one from the remembrance of Allah Almighty.
Human has been created for a noble purpose. Allah Most High says:
“I have created jinn and humans only that they serve (worship) me” (Surah al-Dhariyat, 56).
Music and temporary entertainments sink the human in physical pleasures and prevent him/her from true spiritual gains. In conclusion, music has a great role to play in preventing a human from realising the purpose of creation.
Surely this concern over the effects of music is found in nearly all forms of entertainment. Would not entertainment itself, not just in the form of music but in all of its forms have a great role in distracting us from our creator, thus preventing humans from realizing their purpose in creation? So, shouldn't all forms of entertainment, not just music, be haraam?
Everyone is a self-proclaimed Mufti.....even the term mufti is a realtively new term for people to come up with conclusions without much research except that prophet (PBUH) advised us to unwind the heart every now and then... He used to race with Aisha RA and used to draw lines in the sands.... do you not consider that entertainment? here is one hadith and I am trying to find the other..
The Prophet said: 'The religion (of Islam) is easy. No one ever made it difficult without it becoming too much for him. So avoid extremes and strike a balance, do the best you can and be cheerful, and seek Allah's help (through prayer) in the morning, and evening, and part of the night.' (Sahîh Bukhârî
remember that intent is one third of the law in Islam
Last edited by جوري; 02-22-2007 at 04:17 PM.
Text without context is pretext If your opponent is of choleric temperament, seek to irritate him
I've seen this article before. Every time I look at it I'm amazed at the cultural difference it shows. It may look very sensible to a Muslim person, but to me it just looks like someone clutching at straws.
In the modern era, music has spread to such an extent that nobody is free from it. Individuals are confronted with situations where they are forced to listen to music. It is played nearly in all department stores and supermarkets. If you sit in a taxi, make a phone call or even walk down the street, you will not be saved from this evil. Young Muslims drive around in their cars with the music fully blasted. The increasing popularity of music, which is prevalent in our society, poses a great threat to the Muslims.
I also find music playing in supermarkets and other public places to be very annoying, but not for any spiritual reason - simply because it's normally terrible music that gets played!
Music is a direct ploy of the Non-Muslims.
I think this is an outrageously paranoid thing to say, and I would seriously question the psychological condition of anyone who actually believed this. Can you imagine Beethoven composing a symphony and saying to himself: 'All my years of study have paid off - now I have the tools to weaken the faith of the world's Muslims with my distracting rhythmic subtlety and harmonic tensions!" Or how about The Beatles: "We may well be the most popular group in the world, but we're not interested in that - all we want to do is to defeat Islam with our deft song-writing and harmony vocals!"
It is a psychological proven fact that two things are instrumental in arousing the human sexual desire, one being the voice of a female (for males) and the other music.
I would love to see this writer's psychology credentials. First, there are obviously a lot of other things that arouse human sexual desire, and second, to assume that all music has the same effect is like saying that all food tastes the same. I'd be concerned about someone who got aroused listening to Scum by Napalm Death or Bach's Mass in B Minor...
Experiments carried out by doctors and researchers confirm that music is such that it does not only affect the brain, but each and every organ of the body. There is a close relationship between music and bodily movements.
Well, there's a bold and radical statement of the obvious. All sound has physical effects.
In a psychological experiment, it was found that listening to moderate type of music increased one’s normal heart beat, whilst listening to rock music the heart beat increased even further, yet people claim that music has no effect.
I've asked this before in relation to this article: who claims that music has no effect?
In conclusion, music and the instruments used for singing are a cause for arousing the sexual desire of an individual.
This is very far from having been proven, for the reasons I've given above.
It could lead a person to adultery and fornication.
This is an absolutely pathetic argument. Being alive could lead to a person committing fornication, so why don't we just kill everybody as a preventative measure?
One of the harms of music is that it distracts one from his Creator. It serves as a temporary means of pleasure and satisfaction, which makes one forget who he really is and why he was created.
So does eating yoghurt - ban it!
Another harm of music is that it instills the ideologies of the Non-Muslims in the heart and mind. The messages of today’s music follow a general theme of love, fornication, drugs and freedom.
I think the writer here is thinking of lyrics, not music. There's no way a B flat minor chord can convince you to take drugs, as far as I'm aware.
We find that the whole world is obsessed with the Kufr idea of unrestrained freedom, i.e. freedom of speech and movement, etc… This idea of freedom, “it’s my life, I’ll do what I want” is a predominant theme of music today. It is used as a means of drilling western ideologies into the hearts and minds, which are totally contrary to Islamic values and teachings.
Then why are people attracted to Western ideologies? If Islamic values are so much better, then surely people will naturally see that? Surely 'truth stands clear from error'?
I find it very hard to believe that someone has devoted so much time and energy to writing such an ill-informed, paranoid and irrational piece. It's also worrying that there are people here who are willing to give it credence.
Don't listen to music if you think it's bad for you, but please don't just make up nonsense about it to justify that choice.
^^Are you talking about Islam or the Qur'an. I hope not. If so then thats really obnoxious and rude :X
I'm sorry if you think I've been rude - that's not my intention at all. All I'm doing is giving a response to the article posted by WnbSlveOfAllah. You will see this if you read what I've written.
I think this is an outrageously paranoid thing to say, and I would seriously question the psychological condition of anyone who actually believed this. Can you imagine Beethoven composing a symphony and saying to himself: 'All my years of study have paid off - now I have the tools to weaken the faith of the world's Muslims with my distracting rhythmic subtlety and harmonic tensions!" Or how about The Beatles: "We may well be the most popular group in the world, but we're not interested in that - all we want to do is to defeat Islam with our deft song-writing and harmony vocals!"
I agree, infact its the ploy of Satan and he has done a good job seeing as how everyone is hell bent on it, then again he has years of experience, since the begining of mankind might I add.
format_quote Originally Posted by czgibson
I would love to see this writer's psychology credentials. First, there are obviously a lot of other things that arouse human sexual desire, and second, to assume that all music has the same effect is like saying that all food tastes the same. I'd be concerned about someone who got aroused listening to Scum by Napalm Death or Bach's Mass in B Minor...
I don't know what type of music your talking about but from my experience with music its true, I used to be quite the ... erm ... head banger should I say. and bear in mind the article is talking about Music listened by youths, especially Muslim youths, and you may not be aware of what they listen to but it what the article says makes a lot of sense if you do. they listen to HipHop, RNB, Bhangra etc which is about love which conjures up images of the opposite sex. Now thinking about images of the opposite sex, especially under the context of love can lead things which Islam makes HARAM. Sex, drugs and rock roll as they say eh? And they all have the same affect - a negative one.
The only type of music I guess I that wouldn't come under the sex, drugs and rock and roll theme maybe Oprah? hmmm... no actually its about love too..o and violence :eek:
format_quote Originally Posted by czgibson
This is an absolutely pathetic argument. Being alive could lead to a person committing fornication, so why don't we just kill everybody as a preventative measure?
Given that the article is talking about the type of music majority of the people and indeed the muslim youth is listening toit will lead to negative/Unislamic thoughts and desires.
format_quote Originally Posted by czgibson
Then why are people attracted to Western ideologies? If Islamic values are so much better, then surely people will naturally see that? Surely 'truth stands clear from error'?
There are people who are attracted to Islam and there are people who are attracted to satans bait and blinded by it. Why did Adam(AS) have the fruit from the tree Allah(SWT) forbade him? you think there was just one tree in heaven to eat from? no, there were millions, but satan lured Adam(AS) to the forbidden tree.
Do try and understand the context, its an article for the Muslim youths, and I may have made a mistake by giving it here as it will be (and it has been) misinterpreted.
I agree, infact its the ploy of Satan and he has done a good job seeing as how everyone is hell bent on it, then again he has years of experience, since the begining of mankind might I add.
That's not what the writer said, though, is it? I quote: "Music is a direct ploy of the Non-Muslims." This implies that Beethoven and the Beatles would have thought along the lines I indicated, which is quite obviously ludicrous.
I don't know what type of music your talking about but from my experience with music its true, I used to be quite the ... erm ... head banger should I say.
Fine, but really this just proves my point: people who condemn music outright don't usually know very much about it.
and bear in mind the article is talking about Music listened by youths, especially Muslim youths, and you may not be aware of what they listen to but it what the article says makes a lot of sense if you do. they listen to HipHop, RNB, Bhangra etc which is about love which conjures up images of the opposite sex.
I know perfectly well what young people listen to - I'm surrounded by them all day every day! I agree that there is a lot of rubbish out there, but if you ban all music, then that means that young people may never get to hear all the excellent hip-hop, r & b and bhangra that exists. Who knows, they might even discover some other genres of music too.
Now thinking about images of the opposite sex, especially under the context of love can lead things which Islam makes HARAM. Sex, drugs and rock roll as they say eh? And they all have the same affect - a negative one.
I'm interested in the idea that sex is something negative. I've always thought it's one of the highlights of human existence. Mainstream religions tend to be terrified of sex; this causes a lot of psychological repression and unnecessary mental suffering.
The only type of music I guess I that wouldn't come under the sex, drugs and rock and roll theme maybe Oprah? hmmm... no actually its about love too..o and violence :eek:
What about all the many examples of music with no lyrics at all? Why should they be banned?
Following the logic that is being set out here, it is surprising that Islam only allows unaccompanied vocal music, yet condemns instrumental music.
Given that the article is talking about the type of music majority of the people and indeed the muslim youth is listening toit will lead to negative/Unislamic thoughts and desires.
To be honest I think the writer of the article doesn't know the first thing about music of any kind.
There are people who are attracted to Islam and there are people who are attracted to satans bait and blinded by it. Why did Adam(AS) have the fruit from the tree Allah(SWT) forbade him? you think there was just one tree in heaven to eat from? no, there were millions, but satan lured Adam(AS) to the forbidden tree.
The West isn't perfect, but its ideologies have brought prosperity and technological advancement to millions of people. If that's Satan's bait, then call me a Satanist.
Do try and understand the context, its an article for the Muslim youths, and I may have made a mistake by giving it here as it will be (and it has been) misinterpreted.
I think the Muslim youth need to know that they are being fed a load of utter drivel by people who know nothing about what they condemn.
CZ.. if you wanted an appropriate ruling on things in Islam you can go to the attached website and ask a scholar on any subject matter. Realize that in Islam there are four "Mazahib" and people making "ijtihad" with as many sources as possible to confer proper ruling. Also realize that intent is 1/3 the law in Islam. Are you doing things to teach and enhance knowledge or doing them for idol worship, vain discourse and to lead people astray? Things can be looked at from many different perspectives..... http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/S.../FatwaCounselE
^^^ for questions
Here is a drawing by an early Muslim scholar-- subject is: texts on Medicine and pharmacology
An exerpt:
"In addition to the major encyclopedic works produced by such scholars as al-Razi (Latin Rhazes, d. 925 AD) and Ibn Sina (Latin Avicenna, d. 1037 AD), whose works were translated into Latin as early as the twelfth century, and continued to be studied through the second half of the seventeenth century, the major Islamic discoveries and contributions to the field of medicine include:
1) The introduction of new fields of medical research and clinical practice such as maternity, gynecology, embryology, pediatrics, dietary medicine, public health, and psychic medicine.
2) The diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of many new diseases such as smallpox and measles.
3) The qualitative development of the field of pharmacology beyond the comparatively limited earlier state of knowledge.
4) In contrast to the Greek tradition which excluded it, Muslims incorporated surgery into the study of medicine, and developed its practice and techniques."
so images were drawn for sake of science and to enhance the quality of living-- early Muslims Advanced in all facets not by sitting on a forum and arguing semantics.... also I am sure you have seen a whole site here about Nasheeds... in which instumentaions and words are being used. Again I think one should consider how and why and for what purpose anything is being used... else we're all just talking back & forth with an argument of our own making....
That's not what the writer said, though, is it? I quote: "Music is a direct ploy of the Non-Muslims." This implies that Beethoven and the Beatles would have thought along the lines I indicated, which is quite obviously ludicrous.
you think satan is a muslim?? no he is a non-muslim and so are those that follow him.
format_quote Originally Posted by czgibson
Fine, but really this just proves my point: people who condemn music outright don't usually know very much about it..
Don't be so presumptuous, He lives in UK where the Music BHOOM is, im sure he knows what he is talking about.
format_quote Originally Posted by czgibson
I know perfectly well what young people listen to - I'm surrounded by them all day every day! I agree that there is a lot of rubbish out there, but if you ban all music, then that means that young people may never get to hear all the excellent hip-hop, r & b and bhangra that exists. Who knows, they might even discover some other genres of music too.
I'm interested in the idea that sex is something negative. I've always thought it's one of the highlights of human existence. Mainstream religions tend to be terrified of sex; this causes a lot of psychological repression and unnecessary mental suffering
What about all the many examples of music with no lyrics at all? Why should they be banned?
Following the logic that is being set out here, it is surprising that Islam only allows unaccompanied vocal music, yet condemns instrumental music.
try to understand that prevention is better then cure. with all the technological advancements the
state of humanity as a whole is still deteriorting. Thee are more crimes and deseases then ever before.
Gun crimes, teen pregnancies, drugs & alcahol abuse and disorderly behaviour is a common trend with the youths these days
and they all have one thing in common...yes you guessed it! there love for music, apparently its a their single most
big influence, that and eastenders round where i live anyways
As far as I know only the duff was allowed is allowed. The prominent scholars who are far more knowledgable of Islam
have selflessly undertook rigirous studies in order to guide mankind have made the ruling that Music is Haram. Now in honesty I
myself have questions and which I would like more detailed explanation to, for instance would music be allowed to one who is married and uses
it for leisure as it reminds him of his wife?
but you have to keep an open mind to this, as Allah(SWT) made laws for the whole of mankind based on their limits, abilities to do things,
with the knowledge of the unseen and infinite wisdom. We accept his judgements knwoing we cannot fathom his reasoning and ration, onyl knowing that he knows whats best for us even though we cannot fathom how, its called FAITH. The best of mankind Mohammad(SAW) didn't do it nor his companions and the PROMINENT scholars upon studying the Qur'an and sunnah have some to the
conclusion that it's because it leads to Unlawful thoughts/actions.
And I know there are many brothers and sisters out there that listen to music, thinking that maybe its ok even though there is doubt within their own judgement. For instance
the music of Sami Yusuf, Naudhubillah. But where there is doubt one should leave it. WOuld you eat a sandwhich which has rat-droppings around it only to suffer the consequences if it did later? I think not... well at least I hope so.
format_quote Originally Posted by czgibson
The West isn't perfect, but its ideologies have brought prosperity and technological advancement to millions of people. If that's Satan's bait, then call me a Satanist.
Technological advncements maybe but bought prosperity? I THINK NOT :rant:
format_quote Originally Posted by czgibson
I think the Muslim youth need to know that they are being fed a load of utter drivel by people who know nothing about what they condemn.
Peace
Well atleast you tried to keep those inflammatory remarks to yourself till the end eh?
Hey there! Looks like you're enjoying the discussion, but you're not signed up for an account.
When you create an account, we remember exactly what you've read, so you always come right back where you left off. You also get notifications, here and via email, whenever new posts are made. And you can like posts and share your thoughts. Sign Up
Quote
Hide
Looks like you're enjoying the discussion, but you're not signed up for an account.
Bookmarks