Islam is known as “Deen-e-Fitrat” (فطرت دين), which translates to “Religion of Nature” or more precisely, “The Religion of Innate Nature. That’s why it is often referred to as a “Complete Code of Life”. It implies that Islam provides us with guidance for everything we may encounter during any stage of our life, covering even the most minute details. The basic sources of guidance are the Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ.
Accordingly, scholars have outlined solutions to various important matters, including eating, drinking, sleeping, interpersonal relations, interfaith relations, marriage, inheritance, and other related issues. One of the most sensitive subjects in this context is the concept of Halal and Haram, where Halal translates to “Lawful or Permitted” and Haram stands for “Unlawful or Forbidden”.
A very common question, frequently raised, is whether music is Haram in Islam. Apparently, it seems to be a straightforward question, but the term “music” is multi-dimensional. It might refer to just playing a musical instrument, or singing, or both. The question of whether music is Haram or not has been discussed by the scholars, covering all aspects. While the majority of scholars are of the view that music is completely forbidden in Islam, the opinion of others differs.
What Does the Quran Say about Music?
There is no specific mention of music in the Quran. However, the 6th verse of Surah Luqman is often cited for guidance on the permissibility of music. The Arabic expression لَہْوَالْحَدِيْثِ (lahwa alhadeethi) appearing in this verse is translated by scholars as “frivolous stories”, “idle talks”, or “theatrics”.Ibn Mas’ud رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ, one of the close companions of the Prophet, had explained that this word refers to “singing”. Similarly, Ibn Abbas رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ also explains that lahwa alhadeethi refers to music and songs, which divert one’s focus from Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى remembrance. Renowned scholars such as Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir also share this view.
Some scholars also refer to the 72nd verse of Surah Al-Furqan as evidence that music is forbidden in Islam. They interpret that in this verse, the term “falsehood” means gatherings that involve music, immoral entertainment, and drinking. The 64th verse of Surah Al-Isra is yet another Quranic evidence that supports this viewpoint. Here, Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى addresses Iblis by saying “Mislead any of them you may with your voice”. Scholars interpret that it means “songs, music, and any other call that causes Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى disobedience”
What Hadiths Say About Music?
Hadith 5590 of Sahih Al-Bukhari is clear evidence that the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ had termed music as “unlawful”, grouping it with other major sins, such as illegal sexual relations and drinking alcohol.
Translation of relevant part
From among my followers there will be some people who will consider illegal sexual intercourse, the wearing of silk, the drinking of alcoholic drinks and the use of musical instruments, as lawful.
Another Hadith, as appearing in Sunan Ibn Majah at serial 4020, also prohibits music.
Translation
People among my nation will drink wine, calling it by another name, and musical instruments will be played for them, and singing girls (will sing for them). Allah will cause the earth to swallow them up, and will turn them into monkeys and pigs.
This Hadith also evidences that music is a sin, especially when combined with other immoralities.
It is pretty clear that, although the word “music” is not directly mentioned in the Quran, scholars interpret the evidence from the above-mentioned verses to conclude that music is forbidden (Haram) in Islam. On the other hand, in the Hadiths referred to above, the words “musical instruments” and “Singing” are clearly forbidden, declaring them as sin.
Based on these Quranic verses and Hadiths, music and singing have been declared as Haram in Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh), such as Hanafi, Maliki, and Hanbali. Imam Abu Hanifa clearly declared all types of music and musical instruments as haram. Imam Malik is of the view that music leads to hypocrisy, hence declared it haram. Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal also declares music as haram and listening to it as a sinful act.
Difference of Opinion about the Permissibility of Music in Islam
However, there are some renowned scholars, the most prominent being Imam Ghazali, who thought that singing is allowed in Islam if the lyrics promote good values and do not lead to sin. Similarly, some present-day Islamic scholars also hold the view that Islamic music and songs that do not lead to indecency and where forbidden musical instruments are not used are permitted in Islam.
Exceptional Permissibility for Singing – Hadith Reference
The scholars have also mentioned that exceptions for allowing music with certain limitations are available in some Hadiths. In this context, Hadith 952 of Sahih Al-Bukhari is often mentioned. It is reported in this Hadith that the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ allowed little girls to sing on the eve of Eid.
Translation
Narrated Aisha: Abu Bakr came to my house while two small Ansari girls were singing beside me the stories of the Ansar concerning the Day of Buath. And they were not singers. Abu Bakr said protestingly, “Musical instruments of Satan in the house of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) !” It happened on the `Id day and Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “O Abu Bakr! There is an `Id for every nation, and this is our `Id.”
Based on this Hadith, scholars have concluded that singing without immoral lyrics was permitted by the Prophet during religious celebrations, such as Eid. Likewise, in some traditions, it is also reported that when the Prophet and his companions returned home from Battles, women used to sing some lyrics of poetry to welcome them. It is also reported that the Prophet did not forbid them, provided the content was within the limits of decency.
Hence, the permissibility of singing in Islam essentially depends on the context, occasion, and lyrics or content, and that too without the use of musical instruments. So, the conditional permissibility of singing can be summarized as follows:
- Singing is allowed with the condition that the lyrics should not be vulgar, which promotes illegal sexual relations, shamelessness, and alcohol.
- Singing should not be associated with unlawful (haram) activities, such as gatherings that involve drugs, indecency, and drinking alcohol.
- Singing should be without musical instruments. However, some scholars only allow the tambourine (duff) with singing.
- Singing is not permitted if it distracts a believer away from the worship, prayers, and recitation of the Quran.
- Unreasonably excessive indulgence in music is strictly prohibited, even if it falls within the permissible parameters.
Conclusion
Singing and music are generally considered haram (unlawful) in Islam. While the mainstream religious and scholarly opinion describes it as haram in Islam, some of the scholars are of the view that it is permitted, but with the condition that its lyrics or content must be decent and should not lead to indecency, vulgarity, or any other sinful activities. At the same time, singing without musical instruments, with decent words, on the religious festivals like Eids, is also permitted in Islam. As far as the musical instruments, some of the scholars think that only the tambourine, a type of hand-held drum (Duff), is allowed in Islam.
Even those scholars who permit singing or music allow it with certain conditions. The content should provoke illegal sexual relations, drinking of alcohol, and most importantly, it should not distract one’s attention from worship, prayers, and recitation of the Quran. It is also important to note that excessive involvement in listening to music is strictly prohibited, especially if it leads to indecency and distraction from the basic Islamic norms.
