Finally something that has been widely debated with respect to its allowance in the light of Islam .There are always conflict of opinion regarding such matters. Something I found with a little research give a clear concept on Music.
If we were to start this analysis with respect to the Glorious Quran, it says in Surah Luqman, Chapter #31 Verse #6
And of mankind is he who purchases idle talks (i.e.music, singing, etc.) to mislead (men) from the Path of Allah without knowledge, and takes it (the Path of Allah, the Verses of the Quran) by way of mockery. For such there will be a humiliating torment (in the Hell-fire
This verse talks about purchasing idle talk, which means musical instruments. During the time of the Prophet (pbuh) there was no audio cassettes one could purchase but there we musical instruments like a rabab which is similar to a guitar or a flute
It is further said in Sahih Muslim Book #004, Hadith #1942
‘A’isha reported: The Messenger of Allah (way peace be upon him) came (in my apartment) while there were two girls with me singing the song of the Battle of Bu’ath. He lay down on the bed and turned away his face. Then came Abu Bakr and he scolded me and said: Oh! this musical instrument of the devil in the house of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him)! The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) turned towards him and said: Leave them alone. And when he (the Holy Prophet) became unattentive, I hinted them and they went out, and it was the day of ‘Id and negroes were playing with shields and speare. (I do not remember) whether I asked the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) or whether he said to me if I desired to see (that sport). I said: Yes. I stood behind him with his face parallel to my face, and he said: O Banu Arfada, be busy (in your sports) till I was satiated. He said (to me): Is that enough? I said: Yes. Upon this he asked me to go.
Even something as simple as a bell is considered Haram, we read in Sahih Muslim Book #024, Hadith #5279
Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The bell is the musical instrument of the Satan.
Also it says in Sahih Bukhari, this is not the one that has been refuted it in Sahih Bukhari Book #58 Hadith #268
Narrated Aisha: That once Abu Bakr came to her on the day of ‘Id-ul-Fitr or ‘Id ul Adha while the Prophet was with her and there were two girl singers with her, singing songs of the Ansar about the day of Buath. Abu Bakr said twice. “musical instrument of Satan!†But the Prophet said, “Leave them Abu Bakr, for every nation has an ‘Id (i.e. festival) and this day is our ‘Id.â€
The word musical instruments is referred in Sahih Bukhari 5 times
In Book #15, Hadith #70 “musical instruments of Satan near the Prophet (p.b.u.h) ?â€
In Book #15, Hadith #72 “musical instruments of Satan in the house of Allah’s Apostle !â€
In Book #58, Hadith #268 “musical instrument of Satan!â€
In Book #61, Hadith #568 “O Abu Musa! You have been given one of the musical wind-instruments of the family of David .’
In Book #69, Hadith #494 “From among my followers there will be some people who will consider illegal sexual intercourse, the wearing of silk, the drinking of alcoholic drinks and the use of musical instruments, as lawful.
Conclusion
If nothing, we know that the use of musical instruments is forbidden by the Prophet(pbuh) in no less that three places therefore music is haram.
THIS PART IS FURTHER EXPLINATION DEALING WITH THE SKEPTICS ARGUMENT:
For a Muslim who already believes that music or singing is Haram, this should be more then sufficient. To hold and argument this view point should put both of them on the same stage. If I were to leave this topic here, this should be enough but I will not do so because I need to do justice with the topic.
PEOPLE BELIEVE THAT MUSIC IS HALAL BASED ON THE FOLLOWING VERSES.
The first verse comes in Surah Al-Isra, Chapter #17 Verse #55
And your Lord knows best all who are in the heavens and the earth. And indeed, We have preferred some of the Prophets above others, and to Dawood (David) We gave the Zaboor (Psalms)
I question you, how is this verse show any relevance to how music is Halal ? A lot of people have a misconception and this specially applies to Muslims living in the west that Prophet Dawood (pbuh) sang /composed the Psalms or the Zaboor on a musical instrument. It is a common misconception even amongst some of the scholars that Prophet Dawood (pbuh) sang the Psalms in accompany of music. If Prophet Dawood (pbuh) was to sing the Psalms or compose it would it be the word of ALLAH or the word of Prophet Dawood (pbuh) ?
The Zaboor (Psamls) was revealed just like the Quran, Torah and the Injeel. The misunderstood in this context which is taken for singing is the word Az- Zaboor which means “A Sacred Song†which by no means is an implication of allowing music. This word was given to the beauty of the Zaboor (Psalms) and how Prophet Dawood (pbuh) use to recite it. If one was to read the Psalms (in the Old Testament) one would find a mention of singing and an instrument but not in the context that it would apply to singing.
It says in Psalms Chapter 7, Verse 13
He hath also prepared for him the instrument of death, he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors.
And says in Psalms Chapter 9, Verse 11
Sing praises to the Lord, which dwelleth in Zion: declare amongst the people his doings.
I question the skeptics, does this by any means show even a slight bit of sign showing music is Halal? One is talking about the instrument of death and the other is talking about songs in Glory of Allah meaning a Hamd. This by no means is an explination of singing songs for God. One would never sing Nothing Else Matters by Metallica for Al Mighty God.
THE SECOND VERSE
It comes in Surah Sad, Chapter #38 Verse #42
“Strike the ground with your foot: This is a spring of water to wash in, cool and a (refreshing) drink.â€
This verse by no means is referring as striking your foot on the ground as dancing. In this verse ALLAH Subhana Wa Ta Aala directs Prophet Ayoob (pbuh) to strike the foot on the ground and when he does a spring comes forth. He then drinks from the spring and further goes to say in
Surah Sad, Chapter #38 Verse 51
Therein will they recline (at ease): Therein can they call (at pleasure) for fruit in abundance, and (delicious) drink.
ANALYSING THE HADITH
The strongest argument that is put forth is why did Prophet told Hazrat Ayesha (RA) to leave the kids alone that were playing music. It comes in Sahih Muslim Book #004, Hadith #1942
‘A’isha reported: The Messenger of Allah (way peace be upon him) came (in my apartment) while there were two girls with me singing the song of the Battle of Bu’ath. He lay down on the bed and turned away his face. Then came Abu Bakr and he scolded me and said: Oh! this musical instrument of the devil in the house of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him)! The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) turned towards him and said: Leave them alone. And when he (the Holy Prophet) became unattentive, I hinted them and they went out, and it was the day of ‘Id and negroes were playing with shields and speare. (I do not remember) whether I asked the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) or whether he said to me if I desired to see (that sport). I said: Yes. I stood behind him with his face parallel to my face, and he said: O Banu Arfada, be busy (in your sports) till I was satiated. He said (to me): Is that enough? I said: Yes. Upon this he asked me to go.
The part in the verse when the Prophet (pbuh) says to allow them to play on that certain occasion does not mean it is allowed for all times. Also what people fail to see that it was the day of Eid. If for example your parents have allowed you to play till five and one day your mother calls you in but its Eid day and your father says let them play longer does that mean that your suppose to play after five o clock ? After the Prophet left Hazrat Ayesha (RA) hinted them to leave. Why would Hazrat Ayesha (RA) hint them to leave if there was nothing wrong with it ? Also Prophet (pbuh) never said they are not instruments of Saitan. He never pointed out what Hazrat Abu Bakr was saying was incorrect. Meaning he agreed with Hazrat Abu Bakr’s stand.
If one was to argue that Prophet (pbh) told them to stay because he wanted to hear them, then why would Hazrat Ayesha (RA) tell them to leave if she knew the Prophet (pbuh) was enjoying it.
In Islam everything is very clear. There is not a single Hadith or Quranic Verse that allows the playing of music.
For those who think this is a gray area where you can not decided wither it is right or wrong, think about it logically if you are not sure wither a food is poisonous or not will you eat it ? Obviously not, for someone in their right mind would stay away from something harmful.
Islam is not only a religion but a way of life, whose way of life? The ways of life of the Prophet (pbuh) and he never played musical instruments or sing songs. There is not a single Hadith that says Prophet was singing, or playing a flute or any instrument.
THOUGHTS AND LOGIC
A common question is: Is music really that harmful that the Prophet (pbuh) put it in the same category as illegal sex, drinking of alcohol and wearing silk. Just for reference it comes in Sahih Bukhari
In Sahih Bukhari Book #69, Hadith #494 “From among my followers there will be some people who will consider illegal sexual intercourse, the wearing of silk, the drinking of alcoholic drinks and the use of musical instruments, as lawful.
The question is, is it really that bad? Well my question is, is that not what your creator who knows you better than you know yourself is telling you? Have we not seen enough celebrities especially in the music field involved with drugs, alcohol, who commit illegal sexual intercourse?
These are questions that answer themselves, I have personally been a musician. I started singing at the age of 7 and played guitar for a good 3 to 4 years. Had my own band and got gigs every now and then. This one Hadith was enough for me to stop music and singing. Also because I know how addictive music is. One could easily spend 14-16 hours on a guitar.
Why is it that it is so hard for a normal teenager or adult to stop listening to music? Why does it have such a great impact? If this is not addiction then I am not very much sure myself what is.
SCIENTIFIC REASONING
Today, science after much progress tells us that music can be harmful to humans, just to list a few:
- Music affects the amplitude and frequency of brain waves, which can be measured by an electro-encephalogram. Music also affects breathing rate and electrical resistance of the skin. It has been observed to cause the pupils to dilate, increase blood pressure, and increase the heart rate.
- Certain kinds of music are energizing for your children’s minds and can help them learn much faster, and even help them digest their food better. Other types of music actually drain energy from your children’s brains and bodies and can actually affect their hormone levels (this is especially a problem with teens).
- Music affects cell protoplasm and even chromosomes. Consider what you are passing on to your children and their children.
- Educators and researchers are finding direct relationships between music and television habits and the mental, verbal and behavioral development of our children.
To finish it off I will leave you people with an open challenge for everyone. Find me one verse from the Quran or the Hadith where Prophet Muhammad (saw) said play music, sing, where he himself did it or in any way encouraged it.
If one can do that, I have no problem accepting it as long as the Hadith is authentic.
I hope I have provided sufficient proof from Quran, Hadith and Logic that one would be convinced inshALLAH.
References for the scientific arguments I listed:
1. Tame, David. The Secret Power of Music. Destiny Books, 1984. pp. 141-145.
2. Ibid., p. 145.
3. Lipkin, Richard. Insight Magazine, April 4, 1988. p. 58.
4. Healy, Jane M., Ph.D. Endangered Minds. Touchstone, 1990. p. 51
5. Tame, David. The Secret Power of Music. Destiny Books, 1984. p. 138.
6. Ibid., p.141.
7. Ostrander, Sheila & Schroeder, Lynn. Super Learning 2000. Delacorte Press, 1994. pp. 91-94.
8. Ibid., p. 95.
I first met Irfan Khan in 2007, when he became famous with the song “Pekhawar Kho Pekhawar de Kana” (Peshawar is Peshawar) - Some one introduced me to him saying this is Irfan Khan, and i didn’t know who he was, and i replied sorry i didn’t recognize you. He was bemused by this and asked ‘ Ta maa na pejani? ‘ Ma kho khalak pa UK or US ke paijani’ (you dont know me, im recognized by people in US and UK) and i said no , than my friend told me ‘ he is the Peshawar song guy’ and than i said OK. For the rest of the time there, he at least asked me 3 times, why i didn’t recognize him. Lolz… it was fun. But the world knows him now.
I played the keyboards from the age of 7. I had natural flair for listening and copying all sorts of melodies and entertaining family and friends in get -togethers. On the run I had written many songs that I thought can create a stir. Jago and many other songs were written long before the album came out in 1992 for MCC. Sequenced the song on a Yamaha pSR790 and it became a instant hit at that time the line up was just friends and only I was an experienced musician rest were just friends. Ofcourse I wanted to become a known artist that’s why joined the newborn industry.
