Is Music Haram? Understanding Different Scholarly Opinions

Introduction

Is listening to music haram (forbidden) or halal (permissible) in Islam? This question has been debated among scholars for centuries. Some say all music is haram, while others believe certain types are allowed. So, what does Islam truly say?

In this article, we will explore:
✅ The Quranic evidence on music
✅ The hadiths (Prophetic sayings) about music
✅ The different opinions of scholars – from those who say it's completely haram to those who allow it
✅ The middle-ground approach for Muslims today

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1. What Does the Quran Say About Music?

The Quran does not mention music directly, but scholars interpret some verses as references to music.

🔹 Surah Luqman 31:6

"And of the people is he who buys idle talk (lahwal hadith) to mislead others from the path of Allah."

Some scholars, like Ibn Mas’ud (RA) and Ibn Abbas (RA), interpreted “idle talk” as music, while others say it refers to any distracting speech, not necessarily music.

🔹 Surah Al-Isra 17:64

"And incite whoever you can among them with your voice..."

Some scholars believe “your voice” here refers to Satan’s influence through music and other distractions. However, others argue it refers to misleading speech in general.

So, while there is no direct Quranic verse forbidding music, some scholars believe certain verses imply its prohibition.

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2. What Did the Prophet ﷺ Say About Music?

Several hadiths discuss musical instruments and singing, and scholars differ in their interpretation.

Hadiths That Suggest Music is Haram

📌 Narrated by Abu Malik Al-Ash'ari (RA), the Prophet ﷺ said:

"There will be among my Ummah people who will regard as permissible zina (fornication), silk, alcohol, and musical instruments." (Bukhari 5590)

Scholars like Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn al-Qayyim use this hadith to say musical instruments are haram because they are mentioned alongside sins like fornication and alcohol.

📌 Another hadith states:

"A people of my Ummah will drink alcohol, calling it by another name. Musical instruments will be played for them, and singers will perform for them. Allah will cause the earth to swallow them and turn some into apes and pigs." (Ibn Majah 4020, graded sahih by Al-Albani)

This hadith connects music and singing with sinful behavior, leading some scholars to conclude that music leads to corruption.

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Hadiths That Suggest Some Music is Halal

📌 Aisha (RA) said:

"The Prophet ﷺ came while two young girls were singing beside me… He did not rebuke them, and Abu Bakr (RA) said, 'Musical instruments of Satan in the house of the Prophet ﷺ?' The Prophet ﷺ said, 'Let them be, for every nation has an Eid, and this is our Eid.'" (Bukhari 952, Muslim 892)

🔹 This shows that singing and playing instruments were allowed during celebrations like Eid.
🔹 Some scholars say this means not all music is haram, only certain types.

📌 Another hadith states:

"The Prophet ﷺ allowed women to sing and use the duff (a simple drum) during weddings." (Bukhari & Muslim)

🔹 The duff (frame drum) was a common musical instrument used in the Prophet’s time.
🔹 Some scholars argue this means only the duff is allowed, while other instruments are haram.

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3. The Opinions of Scholars on Music

A. The Strict View: Music is Completely Haram

📌 Scholars like Ibn Taymiyyah, Ibn al-Qayyim, and Ibn Baz believe all musical instruments are haram, except the duff (drum) for weddings and Eid.
📌 They argue that music distracts from the remembrance of Allah and leads to sinful behavior.
📌 They say the hadith in Bukhari (about musical instruments being forbidden) is clear evidence.

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B. The Middle View: Only Certain Types of Music Are Allowed

📌 Scholars like Imam Al-Ghazali and Dr. Yasir Qadhi believe that music itself is not haram, but its content and effect matter.
📌 They argue:
✅ If music contains haram lyrics (about zina, alcohol, etc.), it is haram.
✅ If music leads to sinful behavior, it should be avoided.
✅ If music inspires good, such as nasheeds, soft instrumental music, or motivational tunes, then it may be allowed.

🔹 This view allows some forms of music, especially if they do not include immoral content.

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C. The Lenient View: Music is Permissible If It’s Not Haram in Content

📌 Some scholars, like Imam Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali and Sheikh Abdullah Al-Judai’, believe music is halal if it does not lead to sin.
📌 They argue:
✅ The Quran does not explicitly forbid music.
✅ Not all music leads to haram actions.
✅ Music can be used for good (e.g., nasheeds, motivational songs, etc.).

🔹 According to this view, not all music is haram, but Muslims should avoid sinful lyrics and immoral themes.

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4. The Balanced Approach – What Should a Muslim Do?

Since scholars differ on the ruling, it’s best to follow a middle path:

✅ Avoid music that promotes haram (zina, drugs, bad behavior, etc.).
✅ If you feel music weakens your faith, stay away from it.
✅ Stick to halal alternatives like Islamic nasheeds, Quran recitations, or nature sounds.
✅ Be mindful of how music affects your heart and connection with Allah.

📌 A key principle in Islam:

"That which is doubtful should be avoided." (Tirmidhi 2518, Hasan hadith)

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Conclusion – Is Music Haram?

🔹 Some scholars say all music is haram based on hadiths that condemn musical instruments. And this is the most authentic.

🔹 Others allow certain types of music, as long as it does not lead to sin.
🔹 A balanced approach is to avoid harmful music and focus on what brings you closer to Allah.

💬 What do you think? Do you listen to music, or do you avoid it? Let’s discuss in the comments!

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