The Issue of Music in Islam

[the sad clown 3]

Why then do some Muslims say music is forbidden? (Is that what 'haram' means?)

Here is the paper mentioned early on in the thread. I would have just linked to the post, but the links in the previous posts no longer work:

 

(you are not allowed to post links yet)"you can't post links until you reach 50 posts_you are not allowed to post links yetkalamullah(contact admin if its a beneficial link)/Books/Music%20and%20Singing.pdf"]you can't post links until you reach 50 posts_you are not allowed to post links yetkalamullah(contact admin if its a beneficial link)/Books/Music%20and%20Singing.pdf[/url]

 

I suppose you could find quite a bit of information on arguments against music based on Islam.

[EasternQibla 0]

Here is the paper mentioned early on in the thread. I would have just linked to the post, but the links in the previous posts no longer work:

 

(you are not allowed to post links yet)"you can't post links until you reach 50 posts_you are not allowed to post links yetkalamullah(contact admin if its a beneficial link)/Books/Music%20and%20Singing.pdf"]you can't post links until you reach 50 posts_you are not allowed to post links yetkalamullah(contact admin if its a beneficial link)/Books/Music%20and%20Singing.pdf[/url]

 

I suppose you could find quite a bit of information on arguments against music based on Islam.

 

Thank you so much for this. I have glanced through it.

 

"Volume 6, Book 61, Number 568: Narrated Abu Musa: That the Prophet said to him 'O Abu Musa! You have been given one of the musical wind-instruments of the family of David .' ": this was quoted above, but strangely it is not quoted in the work (search for Dawood). consider the following:

 

p4

Additionally, nowhere in the Quraan or in the authentic traditions(*6) is there any support for this accompanying the psalms with musical instruments .

 

(*6)[page 15]Traditions are authentic textual material containing clear and explicit sayings of the Prophet. His sayings in this matter only refer to the beautiful, melodious quality of Dawood's voice in reciting from the Book of Psalms. It is true that a number of narrations (aathaar mowqoofah) reported on the authority of some of the taabi'een (the generation after the companions) refer to the wonderful qualities of Dawood's voice in an exxagerated manner, and in some of these a mention of musical instruments is found. However, such narrations do not stand as valid proof in this issue because they consist of views and/or reports of the type known as israaaeeliyaat (reports gleaned from hearsay or the traditions of the People of Book). The criterion in such matters is to be based upon a reference to Allah's Book and the authentic sunnah. For a sample of such narrations, see Ibn Katheer's volumnious historic compendium, AlBidaayah wan Nihaayah, vol.2, pp. 10-11.

 

p5 It is essential at this point to mention that if it were established - for the sake of argument - that Dawood (peace be upon him) did in fact have musical accompaniment to his psalms; such a thing would not be proof that music, singing to musical accompaniment, etc. are followed in Islam. This is substantiated by the agreed upon principle from the science of usoolul fiqh(*20) which states that the revealed law (shar'un) of those who came before us(*21) is considered applicable insofar as such law is not explicitly abrogated by the texts of the final divinely-revealed law of Islam as embodied in the Quraan and the authentic sunnah.(*22)

 

It is stated that no such music is stated in the authentic hadith regarding the Psalms. The only places mentioned apparently come from reports of the Jews and Christians and so "do not stand as valid proof in this issue". Yet "if it were established - for the sake of argument" then music still would not be allowed because "the revealed law (shar'un) of those who came before us(*21) is considered applicable insofar as such law is not explicitly abrogated by the texts of the final divinely-revealed law of Islam as embodied in the Quraan and the authentic sunnah"

 

True, the hadith I quoted mentions "the family of David" instead of the Psalms explicitly, but this can only widen the application of such "musical wind-instruments". This hadith is from Sahih Bukhari, and so I am led to believe is authentic, it is not a saying of the Jews or Christians, but "the Prophet said to him".

 

So to what extent this is abrogated by the other hadiths - or that there is a contradiction amongst them - I do not know. Yet is it clear that to refer to musical instruments as being "of Satan" (as Abu Bakr said in the hadith quoted in my post #174 above) is absolutely a delusion. Our Prophet (God rest his soul) would not have referred to David's family in such a way if he too believed that musical instruments were of Satan. I cannot shake my opinion that the spirituality of Abu Bakr - that musical instruments are of Satan - is against that of the Prophet (God rest his soul).

 

Of course, I am open to change my opinion if suitable evidence is presented. But then again, why does this work deliberately try to downgrade David's family enjoyment of music by ignoring the authentic hadith of the Prophet (God rest his soul)? I can't help but feel that some scholars are trying to manipulate Muhammad (God rest his soul) to put forward their own spirituality. Harsh words, but why ignore this hadith??? Enlightenment would be welcome!

 

Peace,

 

Richard

[the sad clown 3]

Sorry, this discussion is well beyond my abilities. I pretty much exhausted my utility in it the moment I posted that link.

[EasternQibla 0]

Thank for your help anyway. :sl:

Richard

[coder 0]

Definitely a controversial topic in terms of making the simple things quite complicated problems.

 

So, what is so "evil" about music then?

 

Music is a patternized sound that can bring about pleasure in hearing it (or from the consequences of hearing it).

 

Hmm. When you hear something which eventually annoys you, even if it is something as primitive as a continously loud noise, then you want to avoid it. This can be associated to something "evil", though I wouldn't jump to such a scary word such as that.

 

One music might be liked by person A and might be disliked by person B (and not just because of personal taste - it might be because it reminds them of something personal, like a traumatic incident), so in this way, Person B can attribute the music to be "evil".

 

So what is the "issue" of music in Islam?

[Ron Shirt 2]

Definitely a controversial topic in terms of making the simple things quite complicated problems.

 

So, what is so "evil" about music then?

 

Music is a patternized sound that can bring about pleasure in hearing it (or from the consequences of hearing it).

 

Hmm. When you hear something which eventually annoys you, even if it is something as primitive as a continously loud noise, then you want to avoid it. This can be associated to something "evil", though I wouldn't jump to such a scary word such as that.

 

One music might be liked by person A and might be disliked by person B (and not just because of personal taste - it might be because it reminds them of something personal, like a traumatic incident), so in this way, Person B can attribute the music to be "evil".

 

So what is the "issue" of music in Islam?

 

 

Music is found in virtually every part of the world, and has been since the time that mankind started to develop. I don't know if it's unique to the Qur'an that some people seem to have a problem with it. Possibly connected with the perception of 'invoking evil spirits'. Voodoo, black magic - so-called invocation of emotive feelings and so on.

The real problem for me, is that if the Qur'an said that Muslims should hide their heads in a bucket of sand every week, then this is obviously what they should do.

 

Does anyone understand this?

 

salaam,

 

ron

[akhtar 3]

I don't think this subject of music is black and White, it's not as straight forward as a yes or no answer, depends?

[Redeem 3]

This section is for quoting the rulings and views of scholars regarding controversial issues, and whether its compulsory or voluntarily, permissible or unlawful. Post your views only if you are a scholar. That section is not open for discussing the logic behind them, nor for criticizing such issues. It is thus not suitable for non-Muslims to post here, unless they have questions or need more info. Other than that, please keep in mind that our Islamic rulings are not open for criticism in this section.

[Ron Shirt 2]

This section is for quoting the rulings and views of scholars regarding controversial issues, and whether its compulsory or voluntarily, permissible or unlawful. Post your views only if you are a scholar. That section is not open for discussing the logic behind them, nor for criticizing such issues. It is thus not suitable for non-Muslims to post here, unless they have questions or need more info. Other than that, please keep in mind that our Islamic rulings are not open for criticism in this section.

 

 

I'm sorry, I didn't realise that this section of the forum was open to Muslim scholars only. Could you let me know which rule I was infringing?

 

Thanks,

 

 

ron

[Redeem 3]

I'm sorry, I didn't realise that this section of the forum was open to Muslim scholars only. Could you let me know which rule I was infringing?

 

Thanks,

ron

 

The reminder was more general for the members, though that no longer applies.

 

Salam.

[jawadMH 0]

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[Ron Shirt 2]

Besides, this hadith does not clearly prohibit the use of musical instruments, for the phrase 'consider as lawful,' according to Ibn Al-`Arabi, has two distinct meanings:

 

First: Such people think all these (the things mentioned) are lawful.

 

Second: They exceed the proper limits that should be observed in using these instruments. If the first meaning is intended, such people would be thus disbelievers.

 

In fact, the hadith in hand dispraises the manners of a group of people who indulge themselves in luxuries, drinking alcohol and listening to music. Therefore, Ibn Majah narrates this hadith from Abu Malik Al-Ash`ari in the following wording: "From among my followers there will be some people who will drink wine, giving it other names while they listen to musical instruments and the singing of female singers; Allah the Almighty will make the earth swallow them and will turn them into monkeys and pigs." (Reported by Ibn Hibban in his Sahih)

 

I noticed that you mentioned 'Ibn -el Arabi'. I presume you are referring to the well know Sufi scholar, known as the 'Pole of knowlege' or 'Qutb of the Time'.

I also would note that it is not permisible to speak of 'sect related issues;' on this forum.

 

Obviously, 'listening to music and the singing of female singers' would be considered as Haram to western ears, i think.

 

regards,

 

ron

[Younes 202]

As-salamu 'alaikum wa rahmatu Allahi wa barakatuh

 

A detailed fatwa:

 

http://qa.sunnipath.com/issue_view.asp?HD=1&ID=1786

[dot 353]

:sl:

What a disgusting fatwa. What kind of ill-minded creature that compares adultery to music? What kind of lunatic human that feels sexually aroused when listening to the works of Beethoven, Chopin or Mozart?

Such muftis are a disgrace not only to Islam but to the human race.

[Younes 202]

:sl:

What a disgusting fatwa. What kind of ill-minded creature that compares adultery to music? What kind of lunatic human that feels sexually aroused when listening to the works of Beethoven, Chopin or Mozart?

Such muftis are a disgrace not only to Islam but to the human race.

 

Wa 'alaikumu as-salamu

 

I advise you to repent. Most of the scholars of Islam consider musical instruments haram because they are mentioned in the Hadiths along with adultery by the Prophet (pbuh).

[Nightingale 136]

I grew up with music all my life. Indeed, I was in orchestra, band, marching band and jazz band during school. As such, I have always tended to struggle with the idea of all music being haram. I despise and won't listen to rap mostly because it does have sexual or other unwholesome themes, however when I tend to listen to orchestral tracks (considering that I worked in film for my entire adult life until two years ago), I don't do so for any bad or perverse reason. I do it because it reminds me of beauty, much like nature does. I don't think that is wrong personally. But I admit I am not a scholar and I am still learning. As brother Dot said, without Beethoven, Mozart and others, the world would be a much darker place in my opinion.

 

Is music like that truly as bad as adultery? I myself can't see it. Maybe I'm blind.

[dot 353]

:sl:

At the time of our beloved prophet, music was part of the adultery scene.. it was played in brothels where prostitutes dance to drunken men and group sex committed as fagets played the music for them. No wonder music was given a bad name at the time.

Musical instruments are like knives. You use them to prepare a nice meal for your family, others use them to kill people.

Musical scales has been used in Quran reciting and adhan 5 times a day each day from the time of the prophet until today. The same musical scales can be used to write horny songs and seducing music. Harmony is one of Almighty Allah's creations, and we were made to taste and feel them with our senses. Just like sex, its lawful to enjoy it in halal relations, while its a major sin outside marriage. Almighty Allah made us with brains to think, so halal is obvious, and haram is obvious.. only to those who use their minds.

[Perseveranze 4]

:sl:

What a disgusting fatwa. What kind of ill-minded creature that compares adultery to music? What kind of lunatic human that feels sexually aroused when listening to the works of Beethoven, Chopin or Mozart?

Such muftis are a disgrace not only to Islam but to the human race.

 

Asalaamu Alaikum,

 

Even if you don't agree with a scholar, we shouldn't begin to insult them like this. Scholars throughout Islamic history disagreed with each other, but didn't resort to insults.

[Younes 202]

I do it because it reminds me of beauty, much like nature does. I don't think that is wrong personally. But I admit I am not a scholar and I am still learning. As brother Dot said, without Beethoven, Mozart and others, the world would be a much darker place in my opinion.

 

Is music like that truly as bad as adultery? I myself can't see it. Maybe I'm blind.

 

As-salamu 'alaikum wa rahmatu Allahi wa barakatuh

 

Nobody has said that music is as bad as adultery.

 

I kind of find it odd that Beethoven's and Mozart's music has an impact on how bright the world is as a place.

[Nightingale 136]

As-salamu 'alaikum wa rahmatu Allahi wa barakatuh

 

Nobody has said that music is as bad as adultery.

 

I kind of find it odd that Beethoven's and Mozart's music has an impact on how bright the world is as a place.

 

Mainly it is emotional. As I said, I was a musician from the time I was a child up through my teens and a little further beyond. I also write and I worked on film locations so mucis was one of my ways of coping with stress and loneliness too. When I drive to work, I have orchestral music from soundtracks in my car most of the time. It beats listening to depressing news reports all day.

 

Though I will say this: I got so fed up of listening to Christmas music at work last month.I tend to be choosy on what I listen to, but that's my personal thing.

[dot 353]

 

no comment.

[Tea Spoon 12]

:sl:

What a disgusting fatwa. What kind of ill-minded creature that compares adultery to music? What kind of lunatic human that feels sexually aroused when listening to the works of Beethoven, Chopin or Mozart?

Such muftis are a disgrace not only to Islam but to the human race.

 

[There is a hadith that says something like "one era will come where the Muslim scholars will be the worst people under the sky" ... Maybe we are living this era (Fitan) ?

 

But I may say absurd things, I ask for some scholar here to answer my question please

 

 

Tea Spoon]

[fathi 140]

I think this is the most broad statement ever made in the history of mankind.  I would like to go over each hadeeth because I think there is more to it.  For instance the one I read above where it talks about in the last days people will be eating and drinking and listening to music in great excess.  And Allah (swt) will turn them into pigs.  And yet what people are taking from that is that we should not listen to music? 

 

So the people of Medina were wrong when they sang welcoming the prophet to Medina?  Of course not.  It is not the music but the intent of the music and the context.  For example no Muslim I know of would ever say that stuff by Kanye West is to be considered permissible.  But if it were a group like Native Deen or brother Hamza Perez they might.  What is the difference?  One is singing about zina, alcohol, greed and similar topics while the other two are singing about Islam and Allah (swt). 

 

Narrates ‘A’ishah (rta): The Messenger (sws) of God came to my residence while two female singers were singing the songs of Bu‘ath.The Holy Prophet (sws) lay down and turned his face to the other side. Meanwhile Abu Bakr (rta) entered and [seeing the singers] rebuked me thus: ‘Satanic musical instruments in the presence of the Holy Prophet (sws)?’ On hearing this God’s Messenger (sws) turned towards him and said: ‘Let them [sing and rejoice]’. When Abu Bakr was engaged in some other business, I signaled to the girls [to go out] and they left.  It was on the ‘Id day (Bukhari, No: 907)

 

Narrates Ibn ‘Abbas: ‘A’ishah (rta) arranged
the marriage of a close Ansari girl. The Holy Prophet (sws) also came
to attend the ceremony. He inquired from the people: ‘Have you sent forth
the bride?’ ‘Yes’, they replied. ‘Did you send any singer with her?’ He
asked. ‘A’ishah (rta) replied in the negative. The Holy Prophet (sws)
then remarked: ‘The Ansar cherish singing. It would be better that
you sent along with her a singer who would sing’

‘We have come to you; we have joined you.
Peace be upon us. Peace be upon you.’ (Ibn Majah, No: 1900)

 

 

Narrates Sa’ib Ibn Yazid: A woman
came to the Holy Prophet (sws). He asked ‘A’ishah (rta): ‘Do you know
her?’ ‘No, O Prophet (sws) of God’ she replied. ‘This is the female
professional singer of such and such tribe. Do you want her to sing to you?’
So the woman sang for her. (Bayhaqi, No:
8940)

 

Abdullah Ibn
Buridah narrates on the authority of his father: The Holy Prophet (sws)
returned from some of his military expeditions. A black slave girl
approached him and said: ‘I had vowed to beat the Daff before you if
God brought you back unhurt’. The Holy Prophet replied: ‘If you have, then
proceed’. She started beating the Daff. Meanwhile Abu Bakr
(rta) came and she continued beating it. Later when ‘Umar (rta) came
she covered her instrument under herself as soon as she saw him. At this the
Holy Prophet (sws) commented: ‘‘Umar, even Satan fears you’. (Bayhaqi,
No: 19888)   <- have to say this one brought a smile to face, very funny.

[johnford 6]

My reading of the Qur'an indicates that Allah enjoys beauty ... 

[dieamuslim 2]

Most scholars will tell you that music is Haram!