Is It Permissible To Listen To Music In Islam?

Within Islam has been a matter of discussion and debate among scholars and followers of the faith regarding the permissibility to listen to music in Islam.

Music, with its diverse forms and expressions, has raised questions regarding its compatibility with Islamic teachings.

This article focused on evidence and Islamic ulemas interpretation from the evidence of Quran and Hadith regarding the Islamic perspective of listening to music In this article, we will examine the evidence from the Quran and Hadith to gain insights into the Islamic perspective on listening to music.

Is Listening To Music Halal or Haram?

The permissibility of listening to music in Islam is still debatable.

While some scholars consider listening and the use of musical instruments as lawful there are majority of the Ulemas who consider the use of musical instruments and listening to music as prohibited. 

Evidence

• Quranic Verse (Surah Luqman, 31:6): Some scholars interpret this verse as a prohibition against engaging in idle talk and amusement that distracts people from the path of Allah. They consider music to fall under this category of idle amusement and discourage its consumption. However, some scholars argue that the verse specifically refers to speech used to mislead people from the path of Allah without knowledge and take it in ridicule. They suggest that this verse does not explicitly address music and its permissibility, but rather condemns misleading speech.
• Hadith (Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 7, Book 69, Hadith 494): As per some Ulemas this Hadith indicates that the use of musical instruments is prohibited in Islam. However, others believe that this Hadith refers only to specific individuals who are involved in such acts calling it lawful but this doesn’t prescribe Muslim instruments as forbidden for Muslims and that this Hadith is merely a warning to those engaged in illegal activities only.

Bottom Line

Based on this evidence from the Qur’an and hadith, many ulemas claim listening to music is forbidden in Islam. They interpret the above verses and hadiths as showing the negative effects and potential distractions associated with music.

While others claim that these hadiths and Quranic verses have nothing to do with the permissibility of music. Thus there are different opinions even among ulemas on this subject. 

Hence it is better to seek advice from knowledgeable ulemas and reflect on Islamic teachings and principles before making any decision. May we all strive to follow Allah’s guidance in all aspects of life.

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