When and how did you give up Music?

[Abdul Fattah]

I've stopped listening to music to ever since last ramadan. Well living in the west there's still places were it's unavoidable to listen obviously (like when riding along with someone, when walking on the street past a store that has music playing, etc..). And I have clearly felt the difrences! I would have never imagened that music has such an impact on our state of mind and mental well being. But I've found just as Barzakh said in his original post: "Music seems to amplify and exagerate situations in your life to ridiculous proportions sometimes making it that much more harder to deal with, Alhumdulilah i've found my life to be much more drama free ever since I quit."

And cgibson, it's not always the case of provocative or filthy lyrics. Sometimes even poetical lyrics of a love song, the rythm of a spanish guitar, a sad tone can influence your state of mind so much. And it's not like this influence is bad by default, but in the end of the day you are alowing music to dictate your state of being. In extreme situations, think of the heartbroken girl who indulge in her sadness by listening to that one melodramic lovesong that makes her cry. Think of the suicidal guy who keeps listening to depressive lyrics of some gothic band. Think of teh sexually frustrated boy in his puberty listening to the sexy voice of his favourite idol. these songs influence our state of mind, our happyness, our point of view on the events in our lives so much that it can easely become problematic.

From a scientific p.o.v: In a way neuropsychology says we are adicted to our emotions. Emotions trigger a chemical that stimulates the same receptors of our cells that the active ingredient of heroine works on. I'll say it again: we are addicted to our emotions. We choice to indulge in them because we like it. Even the negative emotions! That’s why, when you’re sad, you put on that one song that makes you cry. That’s why some people tend to be so bitter that they even seek out the downside of a positive event. Why some girls love drama and some guys are all about adrenaline. All of this is because our emotions trigger addictive chemicals. and music is like our dealers. Music can provide us with these emotions we so hardly crave. But, we still have a choice nonetheless. When we realize what we’re doing, we can put a stop to it. It’s not about being able to stop the addiction; it’s about wanting to stop it. Every psychological addiction can be stopped by nothing more then willpower.

I'm sure you're thinking I'm over reacting. I admit this theory seems rather strong and exagurated. So I challange you. Take the test. Try not to listen to music for a month or 3. Don't put on music yourself, and try to avoid places where they play it. Don't put on your radio in the car, at work. I'm sure you'll notice the effect music has on us, and how easily we get addicted to it, and to the emotions it triggers.

 

[Daffodil]

I've stopped listening to music to ever since last ramadan. Well living in the west there's still places were it's unavoidable to listen obviously (like when riding along with someone, when walking on the street past a store that has music playing, etc..). And I have clearly felt the difrences! I would have never imagened that music has such an impact on our state of mind and mental well being. But I've found just as Barzakh said in his original post: "Music seems to amplify and exagerate situations in your life to ridiculous proportions sometimes making it that much more harder to deal with, Alhumdulilah i've found my life to be much more drama free ever since I quit."

And cgibson, it's not always the case of provocative or filthy lyrics. Sometimes even poetical lyrics of a love song, the rythm of a spanish guitar, a sad tone can influence your state of mind so much. And it's not like this influence is bad by default, but in the end of the day you are alowing music to dictate your state of being. In extreme situations, think of the heartbroken girl who indulge in her sadness by listening to that one melodramic lovesong that makes her cry. Think of the suicidal guy who keeps listening to depressive lyrics of some gothic band. Think of teh sexually frustrated boy in his puberty listening to the sexy voice of his favourite idol. these songs influence our state of mind, our happyness, our point of view on the events in our lives so much that it can easely become problematic.

From a scientific p.o.v: In a way neuropsychology says we are adicted to our emotions. Emotions trigger a chemical that stimulates the same receptors of our cells that the active ingredient of heroine works on. I'll say it again: we are addicted to our emotions. We choice to indulge in them because we like it. Even the negative emotions! That’s why, when you’re sad, you put on that one song that makes you cry. That’s why some people tend to be so bitter that they even seek out the downside of a positive event. Why some girls love drama and some guys are all about adrenaline. All of this is because our emotions trigger addictive chemicals. and music is like our dealers. Music can provide us with these emotions we so hardly crave. But, we still have a choice nonetheless. When we realize what we’re doing, we can put a stop to it. It’s not about being able to stop the addiction; it’s about wanting to stop it. Every psychological addiction can be stopped by nothing more then willpower.

I'm sure you're thinking I'm over reacting. I admit this theory seems rather strong and exagurated. So I challange you. Take the test. Try not to listen to music for a month or 3. Don't put on music yourself, and try to avoid places where they play it. Don't put on your radio in the car, at work. I'm sure you'll notice the effect music has on us, and how easily we get addicted to it, and to the emotions it triggers.

Mashallah a brilliant post bro.

 

[czgibson]

Greetings Steve,

Thanks for your post.

I mostly agree with you about the powerful effects that music has on the brain - your neuroscientific explanation can't be faulted. However, I think you misunderstand the function and effects of sad songs.

Sad songs actually make a depressed person feel happier, because they send the message that they are not alone. In the throes of clinical depression, it can seem that no-one else in the world understands how one is feeling, but listening to, say, Delta blues music or someone like Morrissey or the Velvet Underground proves this isn't true, and is incredibly uplifting for a person in that state. I speak from experience. When you're in that state happy music just sounds fake and irritating, and will actually bring you down even further.

Due to the physical and emotional effects that we're talking about, music is actually used as therapy for people with many conditions including depression or trauma. See here.

Further, I doubt that you could find a case where music has been shown to lead people into problematic or dangerous territory. There was a famous case in the US brought by some parents whose son had killed himself. He had been a big fan of Ozzy Osbourne, and the parents were convinced that his song 'Suicide Solution' had inspired the boy to commit suicide. The judge acquited Ozzy and his record company because it couldn't be proven. One of the factors in the decision is that the song was actually anti-suicide, but still, the point remains: it would be a very difficult thing to prove.

Of course, you're a Muslim, so you believe whatever Allah tells you, so none of this reasoning really makes a difference. However, I like to present the case for the defence when it comes to music. In general, I can only see it being a force for good.

I'm off to play my guitar. :thankyou:

Peace

 

[Halima]

I'm sure you're thinking I'm over reacting. I admit this theory seems rather strong and exagurated. So I challange you. Take the test. Try not to listen to music for a month or 3. Don't put on music yourself, and try to avoid places where they play it. Don't put on your radio in the car, at work. I'm sure you'll notice the effect music has on us, and how easily we get addicted to it, and to the emotions it triggers.

But do you think we should just listen to complete silence instead? say for instane in the car? and how do we stop being tempted to listen to music so much?

One thing I have noticed is that whenever I put on a reciting ..then I get so tempted to put back on the radio..I and I try soooo hard! why is that?

 

[Abdul Fattah]

@czgibson

Sad songs actually make a depressed person feel happier, because they send the message that they are not alone. In the throes of clinical depression, it can seem that no-one else in the world understands how one is feeling, but listening to, say, Delta blues music or someone like Morrissey or the Velvet Underground proves this isn't true, and is incredibly uplifting for a person in that state. I speak from experience. When you're in that state happy music just sounds fake and irritating, and will actually bring you down even further.

Well I think in teh end the interpretations and effects are very personal. For example. If I hear a song of the gipsy kings I get sad. Most peolpe find their music uplifting. But for me it has a difrent effect. My father was crazy about the gipsy kings and played that music all the time. Hearing it now reminds me of my late father thus makes me sad. That's just one example. As for a sad song making you less sad. I think this is how it works: You have an urge to be sad. Therefor you put on a sad song. The sad song makes you sad, perhaps even cry. You feel like you got it out of your system and now feel better. And don't get me wrong, there are times were it is desirable to be sad. For examlpe if someone dies close to us we need to be sad about it, it's part of the mourning proces. And a song can help us do that. So therefor we are happy that the song alows us to manifest these feelings of sadness that already were inside us.

Due to the physical and emotional effects that we're talking about, music is actually used as therapy for people with many conditions including depression or trauma. See here.

Yes I never meant to deny music has benefits. Like I said, It's not like music is bad by default. It only becomes problematic when we alow music to determine our state of mind on a daily basis. Prozac is also used in therapy, and it also has benefits. But it is also a drug and it can lead to substance abuse.

Further, I doubt that you could find a case where music has been shown to lead people into problematic or dangerous territory.

Well I wouldn't go as far to say that somebody commited suicide because of teh song. Obviously a person needs a lot more then just a song to do something like that. What I am saying is that songs make us indulge into our feelings. That they make us a lot more dependable of our emotions. And if we're on the edge, they could give the final push.

Of course, you're a Muslim, so you believe whatever Allah tells you, so none of this reasoning really makes a difference.

We can't get any more obvious then that can we :statisfie

However, I like to present the case for the defence when it comes to music. In general, I can only see it being a force for good.

I 'd say it has both benefits and downsides. But since it's adviced not to listen, I assume that the downsides exceed the benefits. And I have personally felt the difrence in my life, the benefits from no longer listening. And well, you know, personal expieriance goes a long way right.

@Halima

But do you think we should just listen to complete silence instead? say for instane in the car? and how do we stop being tempted to listen to music so much?

Wel I guess that should show you how addicting it is, doesn't it?

One thing I have noticed is that whenever I put on a reciting ..then I get so tempted to put back on the radio..I and I try soooo hard! why is that?

A lot of people feel at ease when listening to recitations it is said to have benefits for mankind to listen to it. It puts peace in our hearts. It is also said that Satan will use music for the opposite purpose.

 

[Halima]

Are you really suggesting that all modern music is like this?

Peace

No, not all, just the majority of the music. Sadly even love songs that contain lyrics such as "you are so beautful to me......" are becoming more of a detriment to people's minds.


@ Steve

Wel I guess that should show you how addicting it is, doesn't it?

Well, that is why I am asking you..an 'easier' way for me to stop listening to music. What should I do? Meditate in my car to prevent me from touching the radio..or just to listen to complete silence? I'm sorry bro, but you'd just have to go the whole 9 yards with this.

 

[Abdul Fattah]

Well, that is why I am asking you..an 'easier' way for me to stop listening to music. What should I do? Meditate in my car to prevent me from touching the radio..or just to listen to complete silence? I'm sorry bro, but you'd just have to go the whole 9 yards with this.

Well I don't I'm qualified to give advice here. you can always try complete silence or recitations. I'm sorry I can't answer that for you. Personally I use public transportation. And If I listen to something with a cd-player (yes i know, it's becoming old fashioned ) then it's recitations or nasheeds. Adn there are a lot of occasions that I am now in silence rather then listening to music. It did felt strange at first but I got used to it pretty fast. And now I 've relly grown to apreciate these silences. when there's music playing I long for them.

 

[Sohrab]

Well, that is why I am asking you..an 'easier' way for me to stop listening to music. What should I do? Meditate in my car to prevent me from touching the radio..or just to listen to complete silence? I'm sorry bro, but you'd just have to go the whole 9 yards with this.

To start with...nothing is easy really...simple law of inertia...

My advice would be to get an iPod/a nice mp3 player. Fill it up with your favourite recitations, Nasheeds, Speeches and duroos (e.g. from Aswatalislam.net). get a Cassette adaptor for mp3 players and empty your Car of any music cassettes and CDs. Keep the casette adaptor in the car all the time, and everytime you get in the car, take your ipod with you. In the begining it will taste really bland...kind of like switching from regular salt to low sodium salt, or from regular coke to diet coke:giggling: , but within two to three weeks inshAllah you'll be feeling the benefit.

Also if you make a committment with yourself like "i'll pray two nafals if i again listen to music", satan may as well stop tempting you to listen to music anymore. And believe me this helps

Quitting music is very much like giving up smoking....but take my word for it, it's much easier. Caution: beware of Passive Music 'listening', as it can be as dangerous as actively listening to it.

More...well...for every thousand hacking at the leaves of evil, there's one go at the root....Learn enuf arabic to understand quran without the help of translations, if you don't already know this much. If you do, try memorizing...if you've done that too, then go ahead and teach....the point is to move onwards. Best defence is offence...as we know, so you gotta make the move before the satan does. "indeed with every difficulty, there's ease"

May Allah Help us all follow the Quran and Sunnah better. Ameen

 

[musicman]

Musicman, answer the above please.

No not yet that is why I said I am still studying the Quran to find answers. And for now since the Hadeeth has never touched the hand of God I can follow what I want to follow in the Hadeeth.

 

[Ibn Abi Ahmed]

No not yet that is why I said I am still studying the Quran to find answers. And for now since the Hadeeth has never touched the hand of God I can follow what I want to follow in the Hadeeth.

That would mean if you took what you wanted and left what you didnt like,

208. O you who believe! Enter perfectly in Islâm (by obeying all the rules and regulations of the Islâmic religion) and follow not the footsteps of Shaitân (Satan). Verily! He is to you a plain enemy.

You wouldnt be praying Salah, and you wont be able to differentiate between the different types of Salah. You woudn't know the specifics of Zakah. You woudnt know the specifics of Usury. You woudnt know the monetry value that a person has to steal for his hand to be cut off and the list can go on and on. You see the Quran is perfect, but you need the Prophet to know how to apply what is commanded in the Quran. Allah could have easily revealed the Quran on top of a mountain but He didnt. Why? Because He knew that Mankind needed a perfect example to follow. Thus we have the Prophet (SAW).

21. Had We sent down this Qur'ân on a mountain, you would surely have seen it humbling itself and rending asunder by the fear of Allâh. Such are the parables which We put forward to mankind that they may reflect .

You see the fallacity of your argument is that you think that only the Quran is the Word of Allah. Indeed it is, but everything the Prophet (SAW) said is also from Allah and the Truth.

[Najm 53:3] And he does not say anything by his own desire.

[Najm 53:4] It is but a divine revelation, which is revealed to him.

Notice that the translation uses the word "anything".

Next, if you read the Quran and most of the time when Allah says i have revealed the Book, he mentions the word "Hikmah". What is this Hikmah that Allah revealed along side the Quran? What else can it be beside the Hadeeth?

Finally, the sheer number of verses that state:

65. But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad ) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission. (An-Nisa)

32. Say (O Muhammad ): "Obey Allâh and the Messenger (Muhammad )." But if they turn away, then Allâh does not like the disbelievers. (Ale-Imran)

132. And obey Allâh and the Messenger (Muhammad ) that you may obtain mercy. (Ale-Imran)


13. These are the limits (set by) Allâh, and whosoever obeys Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad ) will be admitted to Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise), to abide therein, and that will be the great success. (An-Nisa)

14. And whosoever disobeys Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad ), and transgresses His limits, He will cast him into the Fire, to abide therein; and he shall have a disgraceful torment. (An-Nisa)

42. On that day those who disbelieved and disobeyed the Messenger (Muhammad ) will wish that they were buried in the earth, but they will never be able to hide a single fact from Allâh. (An-Nisa)


The number of such verses are over 30 in the whole Quran. Make the Quran your guide, but it will definetly point you toward the Sunnah - The Prophet (SAW).

 

[czgibson]

Greetings,

No, not all, just the majority of the music. Sadly even love songs that contain lyrics such as "you are so beautful to me......" are becoming more of a detriment to people's minds.

Are you seriously suggesting now that most modern music is like this?

You clearly haven't heard very much music.

Peace

 

[Ibn Abi Ahmed]

Greetings,


Are you seriously suggesting now that most modern music is like this?

You clearly haven't heard very much music.

Peace

Hello,

I dont want to jump into your debate/discussion but I think the most simple answer would be, for the muslim it is a complete waste of time. Instead of a muslim remembering God, or doing something that will benefit him he will be wasting time. Our Prophet (SAW) said:

"Take advantage of five matters before five other matters: your youth, before you become old; and your health, before you fall sick; and your richness, before you become poor; and your free time before you become busy; and your life, before your death." ( hadith of ibn Abbas radi Allahu anhu reported in the mustadrak of Al-Haakim, musnad Imam Ahmad, and others, with an authentic chain of narration.)

Music is a cause of a muslim wasting the underlined parts of the Hadith above. How many kids today waste their youth by the likes of listening to music, how many waste their free time by this, and how many ultimetly waste their entire lives on such fruitless items.

The Prophet sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam said, "There are two blessings the majority of mankind have been deceived concerning." The majority of mankind do not appreciate these two blessings. What are they? "Health," good health, "and free time."

So you see its not a question of good music or bad music. Its a question of, Is listening to this Music bringing me close to God, or is taking me further away?

Regards.

 

[snakelegs]

So you see its not a question of good music or bad music. Its a question of, Is listening to this Music bringing me close to God, or is taking me further away?

music has brought me closer to god than almost anything else. ever.

 

[amirah_87]

Hows That Snake Legs ??

 

[Ibn Abi Ahmed]

music has brought me closer to god than almost anything else. ever.

Then you havent looked into Islam. And notice I said:

for the muslim it is a complete waste of time.

We have something better than all music put together, which is the Speech of God. The Quran. To then, listen to the speech of men (i.e. in music, singing) is a waste of time.

 

[snakelegs]

Hows That Snake Legs ??

it is something you really can't put in words but certain music makes me feel connected to god - like i'm home.

 

[snakelegs]

Then you havent looked into Islam. And notice I said:



We have something better than all music put together, which is the Speech of God. The Quran. To then, listen to the speech of men (i.e. in music, singing) is a waste of time.

you're right - you were talking about muslims. sorry - it is just that the idea of god forbidding music is just so incomprehensible to me. but then, i don't need to understand it.
i've listened to qur'an recitations and i agree - it is beautiful.
i don't feel like qawwali is a waste of time.
anyway, sorry for sticking my nose in.

 

[NJUSA]

I am Muslim, and I know and know of many Muslims that connect with the Divine with and through music. There are some who choose to refrain from listening to or playing music entirely, or avoid certain types of music, and that is their right to choose. However, it's not the only choice for to make in an Islamic context.

 

[Ibn Abi Ahmed]

you're right - you were talking about muslims. sorry - it is just that the idea of god forbidding music is just so incomprehensible to me. but then, i don't need to understand it.
i've listened to qur'an recitations and i agree - it is beautiful.
i don't feel like qawwali is a waste of time.
anyway, sorry for sticking my nose in.

Islam does forbid music, I was using that as another reason to justify why Music is forbidden.

You say that there is some good in it, and I wont disagree, there may be some small portion that is good, but the evils of it are greater than its good. Gambling and Alcohol are forbidden on the same basis:

219. They ask you (O Muhammad ) concerning alcoholic drink and gambling. Say: "In them is a great sin, and (some) benefit for men, but the sin of them is greater than their benefit." And they ask you what they ought to spend. Say: "That which is beyond your needs." Thus Allâh makes clear to you His Laws in order that you may give thought."

By analogy, Music falls under the same categorization as the above.

Qawaalli is, simply put an innovation which people think brings them closer to Allah - The Prophet didnt do it, the Companions didnt do it, nor did any of the Pious Predeccasors.

Please read this regarding Music:

http://www.islamicboard.com/islamic-sources/20238-music-singing-light-quran-sunnah.html

I am Muslim, and I know and know of many Muslims that connect with the Divine with and through music. There are some who choose to refrain from listening to or playing music entirely, or avoid certain types of music, and that is their right to choose. However, it's not the only choice for to make in an Islamic context.

Again ill restate that music is without a shadow of a doubt forbidden in this religion, one of the many reasons is mentioned in my previous posts: Again refer to this:

http://www.islamicboard.com/islamic-sources/20238-music-singing-light-quran-sunnah.html

 

[NJUSA]

Sorry, Ahmed, but you are just not my Lord. You have got your opinions, and you are more than welcome to them, but I am not required to follow your opinions. Neither is anyone else. People may choose to agree with you, but no one shall answer to you on the Last Day. If you believe that you are receiving revelation from God, I hope that works well for you, but I am not convinced that you are divine, or a prophet.