Is listening to music halal?
The ruling on listening to music varies between Sunni and Shia scholarship, and different scholars have differing opinions within each tradition.
According to Sunni scholarship, as reflected in Tafsir Ibn Kathir, the debate over music often centers around its potential to distract from the remembrance of Allah and its association with sinful behavior. Some scholars argue that music can lead to negative influences and should be avoided, while others hold that it is permissible as long as it does not promote sin or distract from religious duties. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is reported to have said: Obedience and listening are required from a Muslim in what he likes and dislikes as long as he is not commanded to commit a sin. If he is commanded to commit a sin, then there is no obedience or listening.
Sahih al-Bukhari 93:8 This indicates that if the content of the music leads to sinful behavior, it would not be permissible.
On the other hand, according to Shia scholarship, as reflected in Majma al-Bayan, the perspective on music is nuanced. Some scholars, including Abu Ja'far, suggest that while certain forms of music, particularly those associated with celebrations like weddings, may be acceptable, other forms that lead to sinful thoughts or actions should be avoided. In Al-Kafi, it is narrated that music should not be listened to if it is associated with sinful behavior: Do you not hear God Almighty's saying: 'Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart – all those will be questioned about'?
Al-Kafi 7:236 This emphasizes the importance of being mindful of what one listens to and ensuring it does not lead to wrongdoing.
In summary, Sunni and Shia scholars both recognize the potential harms of music, particularly if it distracts from religious obligations or promotes sin. For personal circumstances and specific rulings, it is advisable to consult a qualified local scholar.
Sources
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Sahih al-Bukhari 93:8
Sahih al-Bukhari · Book 93, Hadith 8 · Narrated by Abdullah ibn Umar
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Obedience and listening are required from a Muslim in what he likes and dislikes as long as he is not commanded to commit a sin. If he is commanded to commit a sin, then there is no obedience or listening."
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Al-Kafi 7:236
Al-Kafi · Book 7, Hadith 236 · Narrated by Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him)
I was with Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him) when a man said to him, "May my father and mother be sacrificed for you, I enter a secluded place for myself and I have neighbors who have singing women and beat the lute. Sometimes I stay long listening to them." He said to him, "Do not do that." The man said, "By God, I do not approach them, I only hear it with my ear." Abu Abdullah said, "Do you not hear God Almighty's saying: 'Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart – all those will be questioned about'?" He said, "Yes. By God, I have never heard this verse from God’s Book from any Arab or non-Arab. Surely, I will not return, God willing, and I seek God's forgiveness." Abu Abdullah said to him, "Get up, perform ablution, and ask whatever you like, for you were seeking a great matter. It would have been the worst condition if you died in that state. Praise God and ask Him for repentance from all that is disliked, for He dislikes only all that is evil, and leave the evil to its people, for everyone has their people."
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