Is Music Haram in Islam?
The issue of whether music is haram in Islam has divided scholars. Some scholars say it is okay to listen to music, but others disagree. Some believe that all instruments are haram. Others say that music is allowed in Islamic ceremonies, including ‘Eid.’ But what exactly is the ruling on musical instruments?
‘Eid’ is the time of ‘Eid
It is said that the Prophet Muhammad permitted playing musical instruments in the mosque during ‘Eid. This hadeeth was cited by Al-Bukhaari in his Saheeh. According to him, playing musical instruments is permissible only if they are used for ‘good’ purposes. However, there are some instances in which the Prophet allowed musical instruments and singing.
The Prophet’s instructions on this subject were very specific. He said that when the people of Islam perform their worship, they should refrain from playing ‘haram’ music. This is particularly important during the time of ‘Eid, when Muslims celebrate the breaking of the fast. While observing the fast, it is also important to refrain from performing certain actions, such as dancing.
In Islam, music can fall into two categories – haram and makruh. For example, music that explicitly expresses sex or violence is haram. However, music that translates vulgar words in a more subtle way is permissible. This is not to say that singing is prohibited entirely, since it is allowed at Eid and weddings.
‘Eid’ is the time of ‘Eid’
During Eid, it is customary for Muslims to offer prayers. These prayers are compulsory and are regarded as a collective duty. It is one of the most important signs of the Islamic identity. The Prophet (peace be upon him) and his Companions always offered Eid prayers. It is also obligatory for women to attend Eid prayers, especially during menstrual cycles, in order to share in the community’s happiness and blessings.
Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, commanded people to pray during the day. People should go out to offer the ‘Eid prayer at midday or in the early morning. If the Eid prayer were held at noon, the Prophet would have delayed it. Furthermore, the prayer for ‘Eid should be offered in a wide, open space far from residential buildings.
The Eid prayer is said to recite the story of Ibrahim sacrificing his son Ismail to fulfill Allah’s command. He told his son Ismail about the sacrifice and he accepted it. The ram was sacrificed instead of the son, and today Muslims sacrifice animals as a means of remembrance. It is also customary for men to wash their hair and wear perfume before the Eid prayer. Women should wear only their modesty clothes and avoid exposing any adornment during the Eid period.
All musical instruments are haram
There are some who believe that all musical instruments are haram in Islam. This is not necessarily the case. The Messenger of Allaah did allow some musical instruments, however he also forbade women from singing and reciting poetry in front of men. According to the Hizanatu’l-Muftiyah (The Islamic Encyclopedia), a guitar or tambourine is not religiously prohibited, even though it is not permitted to play music among Muslims.
Scholars have come to different conclusions on whether or not music is haram in Islam. Although the Qur’an and the Sunnah do not explicitly prohibit music, many Shia Muslims believe that music encourages spirituality and is permissible, despite its negative aspects. Examples of such artists include Sanam Marvi and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
While many scholars agree that listening to music is haram in Islam, others believe that playing musical instruments is halal when performed in a proper manner. This interpretation is based on the interpretation of ahadith and the beliefs of Shia and Sufi muslims.
‘Sitar’ of fire will be raised on the Day of Judgement
The Sitar of fire is the musical instrument of judgment, which is played during the Day of Judgement. It has three tunings: qutayba@u bnu saiydin, jariyrun, and saiydin. It has the sound of fire and is played by fire-breathing angels.
The Prophet Muhammad once said that three landslides would happen on the Day of Judgement. One would occur in the West, one in the East, and one in the Arabian Peninsula. According to ibn Hajar, the third landslide would be in the Arabian Peninsula.