Is Music Haraam?

[Ansar Al-'Adl]

Re: Music is Haraam

is music without instrunments haram, i'm talking about music that keeps u in the thought of Allah (SWT). like music by kamaluddin, he uses no instrunments,

I'd have to hear it to be sure, but from your description, I would say that most scholars would not consider it haraam.

Hello Callum,

[In the text of the Islamic ruling on music that you linked me to, it said that sport was a good alternative to music. Among the sports mentioned were martial arts and marksmanship. The obvious question to ask is: can you see how those disciplines could inspire actions Islam would consider immoral?]

The only thing I can think of that you might be hinting at is inspiring violence. However, having been involved in Martial Arts myself, I know that discipline and self-control are amongst the greatest fundamentals of martial arts. Any Martial Artist will tell you that actual fighting is a very small part of martial arts. But if the instructor teaching whatever form of martial arts it was did not educate his students on self-control and the appropriate situations in which to use violence, then I would say that such training could be considered harmful as well if it was indeed inciting violence, contrary to the principles of Islam.

However, that is no reason to condemn all secular music. The people who make "music" of the kind I have described represent a tiny minority in the history of music. The point I'm trying to make is that music did not inspire such actions and words, money did.

I understand your point about money, but I still believe that music is one of the biggest tools being used by the secularist to bring about their revolution in the west which consists of a rejection of traditional values and encouraging indulging one's desires. At many events which Islam would consider immoral, you will find that music is used to influence the environment heavily. I'm sure my fellow Muslims here know some other Muslims who listen to music, and they can easily be distinguished from the more pious Muslims who focus on reading the Qur'an and praying etc. Moreover, music can have a very large negative influence on people's behaviours, the one example that comes to mind is the murders.

I don't really see how instrumental music can be considered as leading to sin. There are some truly beautiful pieces of music in the world which do not have lyrics directing people to be violent, lustful or whatever. I'm thinking of things like Francisco Tarrega's elegant meditation "Recuerdos del Alhambra", about the famous palace complex in Granada in Spain, or Edward Elgar's Cello Concerto in E minor, an immensely moving elegy inspired by the horrors of the First World War. Works of art like this help people to come to terms with their history, to understand themselves and where they came from. Is it sinful to appreciate such things?

I can understand your point here, but the kinds of music you speak of are outdated now. They have evolved into the forms of music we have today. So the emphasis on music in society has resulted in what we see today.

Of the kinds you mentioned before, I don't think classical is as bad as rock, but if you look at the history of music you will see that each form gradually evolved into a worse form (from an Islamic point of view). Some scholars wouldn't consider the forms of music you've mentioned in the above quote prohibited, and they certainly aren't as bad as the other forms, but I'm just pointing out that they have led to the other forms.

For me, the most impressive thing about music is its ability to bring people together. It's a cliche, but only because it's true. Sometimes, when people are brought together by something like music, they can accomplish great things. Think of Live Aid, in 1985, which sent an estimated $100 million to help feed the starving in Africa. Or, of course, the recent Live 8 concerts, intended to change the minds of political leaders regarding third world debt and unfair trade restrictions. Are these petty matters? Of course not.

Agreed. As long as it is done within the boundaries of Sharia there is no harm. In fact, our website has a large collection of Islamic music (Nasheeds) under the media section.

Would you be happier if all secular music was banned, and such benefits would not be available

Secular music is not the only way to achieve such benefits, however.

not to mention the pleasure that music brings to countless millions around the world?

Drugs have also brought pleasure to countless millions around the world.

To repeat, Islam does not say that all forms of music are prohibted, indeed there is a vast range of music that is considered permissable in Islam, so long as it does not lead people away from their religion.

Peace.

 

[Lateralus63]

Re: Music is Haraam



All i can say on this topic without looking stupid is, music has greatly helped me but it has greatly wounded me

 

[czgibson]

Re: Music is Haraam

All i can say on this topic without looking stupid is, music has greatly helped me but it has greatly wounded me

I'm very sorry to hear that; I've never heard of such a case before.

Oh, and never be afraid of looking stupid. Your right to have a view on something is as important as anyone else's.

 

[madaashaa]

Re: Music is Haraam

salaams,

i don't think all types of music is haraam because it depends on what type of music it is. :zip:

i'm not properly sure though, but this is only what i think !!!

wassalaam

madaashaa. :wilted_ro

 

[ummnoura]

Re: Music is Haraam

Well i think about what music leads too. Hear in America it's mostly bad. They play music at clubs full of Alcohol, drugs, dancing, mingling of sexes and terrible things. The songs, one popped in my head right now......"Its getting hot in here, so take off all your clothes"... this stuff is pollution of the mind. Its terrible really and its found everywhere. In cars, in malls, at schools ie, dances. I can see the people who waste all there life in music and it usually leads them to a bad road. I wouldnt dare condemn music as my husband used to play and enjoyed listening. I just think that if the prophet was against it then so should we be.

 

[Uthman]

Re: Music is Haraam



Personally, I'd rather listen to the glorious Qur'an being recited. As I have previously said in this thread:

Surah Ahzab verse 4​

مَّا جَعَلَ اللَّهُ لِرَجُلٍ مِّن قَلْبَيْنِ فِي جَوْفِهِ​

"Allah has not made for any man, two hearts in his body"​

When Ibn Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) comments on this verse, he says that a heart that is full of Qur'an cannot be full of music. Truly, the words of Allah and the voice of Satan cannot co-exist in a single heart. Tis' hyprocritical! Nay, tis' a mockery of the highest order.

 

[SalafiFemaleJih]

Re: Music is Haraam

Well i think about what music leads too. Hear in America it's mostly bad. They play music at clubs full of Alcohol, drugs, dancing, mingling of sexes and terrible things. The songs, one popped in my head right now......"Its getting hot in here, so take off all your clothes"... this stuff is pollution of the mind. Its terrible really and its found everywhere. In cars, in malls, at schools ie, dances. I can see the people who waste all there life in music and it usually leads them to a bad road. I wouldnt dare condemn music as my husband used to play and enjoyed listening. I just think that if the prophet was against it then so should we be.

I know right.

Music in da car, music in da house, music at cousins, music in da mall, music even at some restrooms at resturants, music at the eating place music at school, N music on phone if u tryna hold.

I even heard music in parking lot in front of mosque : (

wherever I go I find music.....ahhh I'm getting sick of it.

my friend tells me "hello, welcome to america" lol

have mercy please : (

waslamaualaikum wr wb. : )

 

[czgibson]

Re: Music is Haraam

Any Martial Artist will tell you that actual fighting is a very small part of martial arts. But if the instructor teaching whatever form of martial arts it was did not educate his students on self-control and the appropriate situations in which to use violence, then I would say that such training could be considered harmful as well if it was indeed inciting violence, contrary to the principles of Islam.

I fully understand the point about self-discipline in the martial arts. "We learn karate so that we may never use it" etc. It's easy to see how such training could be abused though, by those with malevolent impulses.

I understand your point about money, but I still believe that music is one of the biggest tools being used by the secularist to bring about their revolution in the west which consists of a rejection of traditional values and encouraging indulging one's desires.

A rejection of some traditional values, perhaps, but I believe the most important ones are still intact.

At many events which Islam would consider immoral, you will find that music is used to influence the environment heavily. I'm sure my fellow Muslims here know some other Muslims who listen to music, and they can easily be distinguished from the more pious Muslims who focus on reading the Qur'an and praying etc.

So is this the root of the Muslim attitude to music - it distracts people from the Qur'an?

Moreover, music can have a very large negative influence on people's behaviours, the one example that comes to mind is the murders.

Which murders are you thinking about?

I can understand your point here, but the kinds of music you speak of are outdated now. They have evolved into the forms of music we have today. So the emphasis on music in society has resulted in what we see today.

The two pieces I mentioned are a fundamental part of the classical repertoire and are performed in concert halls around the world many times a year. However, the fact that you consider them "outdated" appears to lessen your objection to them. Is it only new music that is haraam?

Of the kinds you mentioned before, I don't think classical is as bad as rock, but if you look at the history of music you will see that each form gradually evolved into a worse form (from an Islamic point of view). Some scholars wouldn't consider the forms of music you've mentioned in the above quote prohibited, and they certainly aren't as bad as the other forms, but I'm just pointing out that they have led to the other forms.

OK, so Western classical music has led to Western popular music forms (of which there are literally thousands), and they have got progressively worse from an Islamic point of view. To make a statement like this shows that you have no interest in Western music. Fair enough, that is your view. But you should bear in mind that as music has progressed, the number of different syles of music has increased exponentially. To say, therefore, that all the later forms are worse than the preceding forms is to make an enormous generalisation. Why is Classical music worse than Baroque music? Why is jazz-funk worse than Dixieland jazz? Why is avant-blues worse than New Orleans swing? Have the Islamic scholars made rulings on these different styles?

Secular music is not the only way to achieve such benefits, however.

Is religious music generally more effective?

Drugs have also brought pleasure to countless millions around the world.

They certainly have, but that is a topic for another debate.

To repeat, Islam does not say that all forms of music are prohibted, indeed there is a vast range of music that is considered permissable in Islam, so long as it does not lead people away from their religion.

So this is the crucial point then. You cannot be distracted from your religion. I am interested in religion of all kinds, but I am interested in many other things as well.

Peace

 

[Ansar Al-'Adl]

Re: Music is Haraam

So is this the root of the Muslim attitude to music - it distracts people from the Qur'an?

So this is the crucial point then. You cannot be distracted from your religion. I am interested in religion of all kinds, but I am interested in many other things as well.

I used the phrase "lead away from religion" as in they deviate one from the path of God into sin, and lessen their faith, as well as opening gates to many other evils. If the types of music you listed do not leads people to sin and do not have immoral content in them, from an Islamic perspective, then they're are not considered the same as the other types of music. Some scholars would say they are permissable, others discouraged, yet still others would maintain that they are forbidden. But you see, its all dependent on the music, some forms are worse than others.

However, the fact that you consider them "outdated" appears to lessen your objection to them. Is it only new music that is haraam?

new music is more obviously haraam than older music. Older forms of music are certainly not as bad.

Why is Classical music worse than Baroque music? Why is jazz-funk worse than Dixieland jazz? Why is avant-blues worse than New Orleans swing?

I think from the above discussion it should be clear that many forms of music would not be considered worse. There are levels of music, some worse than others.

Have the Islamic scholars made rulings on these different styles?

I'm not aware of any specific fatawa (religious rulings) that deal with such specific forms of music.

Is religious music generally more effective?

Maybe, but not always. I was referring to any possible methods other than music actually.

Regards

 

[khalid zaheer]

Re: Music is Haraam

assalaam o alaikum

These are the signs of the wise Book. For a guidance and a mercy to the good-doers. Those who establish the Prayer, pay the dueÿ__ÿalms, and who have sure faith in the Hereafter. Those are upon guidance from their Lord, and those are the ones who shall prosper. And among men is he who takes up a funny story to lead astray from God's way without any he knowledge, and takes it in mockery; for them there shall be a disgraceful punishment. And when Our signs are recited to him, he turns away in arrogance, as if he did not hear them, as if there was heaviness in his ears; so give him a good news of a painful punishment.
01 to 07/31
Is there any doudt in above ayaat that you are trying to attach one of them with music? very clear verses discussing over a single matter, where is music. leave the practice to pick a part of a verse and attach it to any matter, it is better for all of you.

The announcement of Halaal and Haraam is the right of Allah only. Did not you read in Quran at many places that who are you to announce something Halaal or Haraam while Allah did not announce it. you knows better or Allah that what is good for us or what is bad. This was the big reason to decline or turn down of "Yahood" that they themselve announced the things Halaal or Haraam.

As the matter music it is not announced Haraam by Allah, so any one has not right say it Haraam. There is a long discussion about poets and poetry, Allah said poet run after assumptions and dreams but did not announce it Haraam. Poetry the base of music, if it is not Haraam then why music?

Poetry and music are the way of amusement and enjoyment is not wrong if it is in boundries. As intercource with opposit sex is the way of amusement but it is wrong if out of laws and if it is under boundries (i.e. with your wife or husband) then it is right in any way. If you choose good music or poetry no matter but if lead you to wrong ways and should bring you to out of the boundries then it is wrong. Simple

Allah hafiz

 

[Uthman]

Re: Music is Haraam

brother Khalid Zaheer,

وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَن يَشْتَرِي لَهْوَ الْحَدِيثِ لِيُضِلَّ عَن سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ وَيَتَّخِذَهَا هُزُوًا أُولَئِكَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ مُّهِينٌ​

Surah Luqman verse 6 (031:006)

But there are, among men, those who purchase idle tales, without knowledge (or meaning), to mislead (men) from the Path of Allah and throw ridicule (on the Path): for such there will be a Humiliating Penalty.​

The greater part of the mufassirīn (those who write tafsir) including the likes of Ibn Kathir and Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi have interpreted لَهْوَ الْحَدِيثِ (idle tales) to mean music and singing e.t.c.

We even have the confirmation of Abdullah Ibn Masood:

“I swear by Him besides whom there is no other God, that it refers to ghinaa (singing).”​

Look at the Hadith of Bukhari:

The Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) said:

"There will be people of my Ummah who will seek to make lawful; fornication, wine-drinking and the use of ma'aazif (musical instruments)."​

Need I remind you that the ahadith of Bukhari are considered the most authentic after the Qur'an?

وَاسْتَفْزِزْ مَنِ اسْتَطَعْتَ مِنْهُمْ بِصَوْتِكَ وَأَجْلِبْ عَلَيْهِم بِخَيْلِكَ وَرَجِلِكَ وَشَارِكْهُمْ فِي الأَمْوَالِ وَالأَوْلادِ وَعِدْهُمْ وَمَا يَعِدُهُمُ الشَّيْطَانُ إِلاَّ غُرُورًا​

Surah Al-Isra verse 64 (017:064)
Lead to destruction those whom thou canst among them, with thy (seductive) voice; make assaults on them with thy cavalry and thy infantry; mutually share with them wealth and children; and make promises to them." But Satan promises them nothing but deceit.

In Tafsir Ibn Kathir:

وَاسْتَفْزِزْ مَنِ اسْتَطَعْتَ مِنْهُمْ بِصَوْتِك​

(And fool them gradually those whom you can among them with your voice,) It was said that this refers to singing. Mujahid said, "With idle entertainment and singing,'' meaning, influence them with that.

Another Hadith:

‘Imraan narrated that the Messenger of Allah said, “In this nation there will be humiliation, corruption and slander. The companions asked, “When will that happen O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “When songstresses and stringed instruments appear and when alcohol is consumed.” (At-Tirmidhee).​

Do you still hold to your view that music is not haraam? Take heed.

 

[Bittersteel]

Re: Music is Haraam

can't I listen to music provided the fact that I don't do extreme things?

well okay I accept its haram but in my case will it be less haram?

 

[Uthman]

Re: Music is Haraam



Now brother, you know very well that Haraam is Haraam. There is no such thing as less Haraam.

Hasn't the time now come that the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) was speaking of in this Hadith (which I am emphasizing for the third time)?

"There will be people of my Ummah who will seek to make lawful; fornication, wine-drinking and the use of ma'aazif (musical instruments)."​

Don't we see people of the ummah trying to justify the use of musical instruments when it has been clearly been decreed as unlawful?

 

[Bittersteel]

Re: Music is Haraam

oh sorry.But what are the reasons behind it?I am not saying that its wrong.

 

[czgibson]

Re: Music is Haraam

I used the phrase "lead away from religion" as in they deviate one from the path of God into sin, and lessen their faith, as well as opening gates to many other evils. If the types of music you listed do not leads people to sin and do not have immoral content in them, from an Islamic perspective, then they're are not considered the same as the other types of music. Some scholars would say they are permissable, others discouraged, yet still others would maintain that they are forbidden. But you see, its all dependent on the music, some forms are worse than others.

So it's not any quality in the music itself that causes it to be forbidden, it's just a question of how it can influence people?

new music is more obviously haraam than older music. Older forms of music are certainly not as bad.

I think from the above discussion it should be clear that many forms of music would not be considered worse. There are levels of music, some worse than others.

These statements seem to be contradictory. The first statement, again, is an enormous generalisation.

I'm not aware of any specific fatawa (religious rulings) that deal with such specific forms of music.

The point I was trying to get to is about why newer forms of music are seen as necessarily worse than older forms. (If that is indeed what you believe, it's not been perfectly clear). So I contrasted a newer form with an older form in each case, to show that there is no logic to this position. For instance, heavy metal (which I believe would be seen as contrary to Islam) came before ambient music (which I think would be seen as less bad by many Muslims). There is no reason to assume that the newness of a particular form will guarantee that it is worse (from a Muslim point of view) than whatever came before it.

Maybe, but not always. I was referring to any possible methods other than music actually.

OK, fair enough. There are certainly many ways of doing this sort of thing. However, the Live Aid and Live 8 projects are undeniably a great contribution in the attempt to relieve world poverty.

I'm having difficulty with these ideas, Ansar. It seems there are many views on the matter within Islam (e.g. some say "haraam is haraam", you say some forms are less bad than others.) To what extent to Muslims tend to agree on this matter?

What is it about a certain piece of music, in your view, that could potentially lead to the undesirable or sinful actions you refer to? The lyrics? The rhythm? Which instruments are used? If there are instruments at all? Is it the tempo that could lead people to lose control? Perhaps it is the emotional tone of the piece (e.g. it could be aggressive, peaceful, lively or sad)?

As you can see, I'm very unclear on what you're saying here. I'm trying to understand what it is, at the heart of all secular music (whether Islamically it's seen as being very bad, or not so bad), that you see as so dangerous to your traditional values.

The ideas you're presenting are obviously very alien to me, but I must admit I'm absolutely intrigued to find out the reasons for them. Thank you for giving me such a good insight into your world-view.

Peace

 

[TEH]

Re: Music is Haraam

Music is haraam, and haraam is haraam, and ideally you should listen to the quraan, but people who are inclined towards music, like myself, we always have nasheeds to listen to, very good nasheeds at that. Heres is a very goo darticle for you lot to read:

http://www.sunnipath.com/resources/Questions/qa00002024.aspx

 

[czgibson]

Re: Music is Haraam

Thank you for the link TEH. I've already read the article you refer to, and in fact it inspired some of the questions I've asked above, but thanks anyway for your willingness to help.

I've also listened to several nasheeds, but this only multiplied my questions. For instance: one of the nasheeds I listened to had what I would describe as "Islamic rap" over the top of hip-hop beats created using using turntable mixing techniques. So, it seems it is not hip-hop beats that are forbidden, it must be the lyrics that determine what is forbidden or not. This contradicts the article you mention, which says that the rhythm of music correlates to certain bodily movements, which are somehow bad.

OK, so if it is the lyrics that are the main factor, how about this example: there's an American hip-hop group named A Tribe Called Quest. The members of the group are Muslims, and they rap over jazzy hip-hop beats similar to the kind I heard in the nasheed. Some of their lyrics are about Islam, encouraging people to read the Qur'an and so on. Other lyrics promote Afro-centric living, positivity, and living in an ethical way, but with no specific mention of Islam. Are the tunes which mention Islam halal and those which do not haraam?

 

[TEH]

Re: Music is Haraam

hang on a sec, who said all nasheeds were halaal...

 

[czgibson]

Re: Music is Haraam

hang on a sec, who said all nasheeds were halaal...

Very good point, I wasn't sure about this. I just assumed since they were offered on the website here they would all be permitted.

Who decides anyway, and what determines their decision?

 

[TEH]

Re: Music is Haraam

Well, like the people said, nothing wrong with singing, depending on what you are singing, what the heck, even I sing, but music is wrong. I believe that percusion instruments are ok, but others are not.