Is Music Haram in Islam? Evidence from Quran, Hadith, and Scholarly Opinions

The permissibility of music in Islam has been a subject of scholarly debate for centuries. While some Islamic scholars categorically consider music haram (forbidden), others allow specific forms under certain conditions. This article examines the evidence from the Qur’an, Hadith, and Islamic scholarship to provide a nuanced understanding of the issue.

Evidence from the Qur’an

1. Surah Luqman (31:6)
   Arabic:
   “وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَن يَشْتَرِي لَهْوَ ٱلْحَدِيثِ لِيُضِلَّ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ وَيَتَّخِذَهَا هُزُوًا ۚ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌۭ مُّهِينٌ”
   English Translation:
   “And of the people is he who buys the amusement of speech to mislead others from the way of Allah without knowledge and takes it in ridicule. Those will have a humiliating punishment.”

   Many classical scholars, including Ibn ‘Abbas and Mujahid, interpreted “amusement of speech” as singing or music. They believed this verse warns against activities, including music, that distract from the remembrance of Allah.

2. Surah Al-Isra (17:64)
   Arabic:
   “وَٱسْتَفْزِزْ مَنِ ٱسْتَطَعْتَ مِنْهُم بِصَوْتِكَ”
   English Translation:
   “And incite whoever you can among them with your voice.”

   Some scholars, like Imam al-Qurtubi, have interpreted “your voice” as music or singing that leads to sinful acts, associating it with the whisperings of Satan.

Evidence from Hadith

1. Prohibition of Musical Instruments:
   Arabic:
   “لَيَكُونَنَّ مِنْ أُمَّتِي أَقْوَامٌ يَسْتَحِلُّونَ الْحِرَ وَالْحَرِيرَ وَالْخَمْرَ وَالْمَعَازِفَ”
   English Translation:
   “There will be among my followers people who will consider as permissible illegal sexual intercourse, the wearing of silk, the drinking of alcoholic drinks, and the use of musical instruments.”
   (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 5590)

   This Hadith is often cited as clear evidence that musical instruments are haram. The term “ma’azif” refers to musical instruments and is associated with immoral behavior in Islamic jurisprudence.

2. Hadith on Distraction by Singing:
   Arabic:
   “إِنَّ اللَّهَ حَرَّمَ الْخَمْرَ وَالْمَيْسِرَ وَالْكُوبَةَ”
   English Translation:
   “Indeed, Allah has forbidden intoxicants, gambling, and the drum.”
   (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 19332)

   The term “kuba” in this Hadith has been interpreted by some scholars to mean drum or musical instrument, reinforcing the view that music can be impermissible.

Scholarly Perspectives

1. Strict Prohibition:
   Scholars from the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali schools have traditionally prohibited music. They argue that it often leads to sinful behavior, distracts from worship, and promotes heedlessness of Allah’s remembrance.

2. Conditional Permissibility:

   • Imam al-Ghazali, in his book Ihya Ulum al-Din, suggested that music is permissible under certain conditions. He stated that if music inspires love for Allah and does not lead to immoral actions, it can be acceptable.
   • Sufi traditions use music as a means of spiritual elevation, focusing on devotional songs (qawwali or nasheed) that encourage piety.

3. Contemporary Scholars:
   Scholars like Yusuf al-Qaradawi argue that not all music is haram. Songs that do not contain offensive or immoral content, and do not distract from religious obligations, may be permissible.

Cultural Contexts

1. Permissible Forms of Music:
   In Islamic traditions, certain forms of music are explicitly permitted, such as:

   • Use of the duff during weddings or Eid celebrations.
     Hadith Evidence:
     The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
     “Announce this marriage and beat the duff for it.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 1896)

2. Sufi Practices:
   Sufi orders, such as the Chishti order, use music and chanting as part of their spiritual practices to connect with Allah. While mainstream Islamic scholars may view this with caution, Sufis argue that their intentions align with worship.

Modern Perspectives on Music

1. Impact on Society:
   Modern scholars who view music as haram often highlight its association with promoting immoral themes, vulgarity, and consumerism in contemporary culture.

2. Scientific and Psychological Arguments:

   • Some argue that music can negatively affect mental and spiritual health, citing studies linking excessive music consumption to increased anxiety or distraction.

3. Permissibility in Limited Contexts:
   The argument for permissibility often revolves around context. For example, background music in educational videos or halal nasheeds (Islamic songs) is widely accepted as long as the lyrics align with Islamic values.

The question of whether music is haram in Islam remains open to interpretation, depending on the type of music, its content, and the effects it has on an individual’s spirituality. Muslims are encouraged to:

• Reflect on their intentions when engaging with music.
• Avoid music that promotes immorality or distracts from religious obligations.
• Seek guidance from knowledgeable scholars when in doubt.

Ultimately, the decision rests on balancing cultural contexts, religious principles, and personal circumstances.