Music has become an integral part of human daily life. Music has a contribution to every aspect of life, be it as entertainment, therapy, or ritual.
However, what is the position of music in Islam?
Is Music Halal or Haram?
Music is Partially Haram.
There are differences of opinion among Islamic scholars about the law regarding music, whether singing or playing musical instruments. Some scholars consider it haram and some others allow or justify it.
Among the scholars who allow music is Imam Al Ghazali who allows listening to music based on Quran Luqman: 19. Imam Al Ghazali interprets in this verse, Allah SWT praises a good voice which can be interpreted as permissible to listen to good music.
In contrast to Imam Al Ghazali, several scholars such as Imam Abu Hanifah and Imam Syafi’i said that listening to music is makruh. Imam Abu Hanifah said, “Singing is prohibited, and listening to it is considered a sin.” Meanwhile, Imam Malik prohibits and forbids singing.
Meanwhile, groups of scholars such as Imam Ibnu Al Jauzi, Imam Qurthubi, and Imam Asy Syaukani forbid music based on the Quran Luqman: 6.
Evidence
- Al-I’lam bi Naqd Kitab al-Halal wa’l-Haram, by Shaykh al-‘Allamah Salih ibn Fawzan al-Fawzan
- Al-Sama’ by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn al-Qayyim
- Tahrim Alat al-Tarab, by Shaykh Muhammad Nasir al-Deen al-Albani (may Allah have mercy on him)
Is It Safe For Muslims To Listen To Music?
“Regarding whether or not Muslims are allowed to listen to music or play musical instruments has been explained by the two leading Islamic scholars today, Mufti Menk and Dr. Zakir Naik. When asked about music, Mufti Menk said that according to his understanding, listening to music is haram, especially since modern music, which is widely spread today, is “dirty” and is forbidden for Muslims to listen to.
Meanwhile, Dr. Zakir Naik emphasized that although the Quran does not directly prohibit music, there are prohibitions against musical instruments in hadith. (Al-Bukhari Hadith No. 4001 & No. 5590).
Although there are different views among scholars regarding the law of music in Islam, most agree that music can be absolutely forbidden as long as there are three things that accompany it.
These three things include:
- First, music becomes haram if it contains elements of evil or immorality that can bring a Muslim to the misguided path, both in the lyrics and in the melody of the song itself. Second, there is a prohibition on some musical instruments.
- Secondly, there are those who prohibit the use of wind instruments (flutes) and stringed instruments (guitars) based on hadith, as these musical instruments were used to accompany the act of the drunkards, adulterers, and so on (sya’â’ir al-asyrâr) in the past.
- Third, music becomes unlawful if it makes people who hear it leave their obligations as Muslims. A Muslim has obligations that must be carried out as a servant of Allah. And everything that prevents him from carrying out this obligation must be avoided. “
Bottom Line
Muslims should respond wisely to the differences of opinion of Islamic scholars regarding the law of music in Islam and be able to take lessons from the teachings of these scholars.
One thing that is certain is that scholars agree that Muslims are prohibited from listening to music that contains immorality and evil that promotes un-Islamic behavior and actions, which can lead us into a misguided path.
Got a question? Feel free to ask mufti and get quick answers.
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