Islamic views on Music and Entertainment:
Some Muslims believe that the Quran and Sunnah prohibit music however; others believe that some forms of music are permissible. Even so, music flourished in the Islamic world, although it was often confined to palaces and private homes to avoid censure.
Islam say about entertainment:
He argues that God is not against pleasure and that Islam seeks the Golden means. Yet, it should not take place under immoral circumstances or with dissolute companions. The Muslim scholar states that singing and music in itself is permissible and pleasure able.
The religious art of the Muslim world manifest particular cultural characteristics and a sense of unity across cultures. The devotional music of Nigeria and Pakistan, fir example, have a recognizable relationship, but are also uniquely Nigerian and Pakistani, Jacques Jomier attributes this phenomenon to the way Islam moves through the world.
Islam is like a clear stream, with well defined characteristics which is the same everywhere. But the soil over which the stream flows can be very varied. Moreover in each case, the water will take on the color of the shores, the sand or the earth which forms it's bed will take on the color of the shores, the sand or the earth which forms it's bed.
The cultural specificity that emerged is jn conversation with the idea of what a true or pure Islam is.This discussion is present through nearly all art forms. Literature, painting, architecture and music drawing out the question of when art ceases to be " Islamic", or religiously permissible.
There is a popular perception that music is generally forbidden in Islam. However, such a prescriptive statement elevates the issue to one of faith. The answer to the question is open to interpretation. The first consistent scholarly attack on music dates to the mid-10th century, and seems to be in response to illicit behavior tied to music, rather than to the music itself.
The approval or disapproval of performers is not only related to the genre but also to the context of the performance. Regarding the permissibility of the context, three elements are deemed important by the eleventh-century Muslim scholar Imam al-Ghazali that is, place or associates. It is not acceptable if too much time is devoted to performances so that it interferes with the higher Islamic goals and distracts the believers attention from the devotion to God. Full-time professional performers are accordingly less acceptable than professional amateurs. The acceptability of the place and occasion of the performance is also an important factor. in judging the legitimacy of the entertainment and their public.
Possible. To a person unfamiliar with qirat when sound would resemble music. However, in an Islamic legal framework the recitation is not music, and to call it so is insulting. The problem is that the term music representing some combination of instruments and voice, does not map well onto the Arabic term musiqa, is one kind of audio art in the Islamic legal tradition, qirat is another.
The debate among Muslims is not about the
Permissibility of audio art, about what kind of audio arts are permissible. The Quran the first source of legal authority of Muslims, contains no direct references to music. Legal scholars use the Hadith as another source of authority, and have found conflicting evidence in it. The consensus that has emerged is that the audio arts fall into three broad categories: legitimate, controversial and illegitimate, Qirat the call to prayer, religious chants and the like are all considered legitimate. Controversial audio arts include almost all other types of music. Illegitimate audio arts are considered to be those that take people away from the commandments of the faith. Music that leads to drinking or licentious behavior is considered illegitimate. Depending on the community of interpretation one can find devotional music legitimate controversial or illegitimate.
Sufis, a broad category for a group of Muslims who generally take on a more personal and esoteric approach to the faith z argue that devotional audio arts must be bound by three things to be considered legitimate: time place and companions. Al- Ghazali the famed 11/12 century Sunni Muslim, argues that a good time is one that allows you to complete religious and societal obligation and no diversion should take away from performing obligations. The place for the performance of audio art should be an appropriate setting ---- no concerts in masjids and no concerts in masjids and no performances in bars. Finally, the companions, the people surrounding the listener, should encourage the best in the listener.
The 10th century philosophical group, the Ikhwan as_ Safa argue that the truest audio art is the voice of God, which the Prophet Moses heard at Sinai. When Moses heard the voice, he moved beyond the need for earthly the need for earthly music. Based on this moment, Ikhwan as- Safa believe that human audio arts are necessary echoes to remind us of the true music. The 15th century Persian mystical Poet Jami says that in the Quran when God says He is blowing life into the form of man it should be understood that human beings are the first musical instrument. The famous Sufi poet Rumi also plays with the idea of human beings aa musical instrument. He opens his work the Mathnawi, perhaps one of his most famous poems, with the lines, "Listen to the reed as it tells a tale / a tale of separation," a statement on the human condition of removal form the divine. It is also argued that the prophet David and the Prophet Solomon both had beautiful voices and sang freely.
Drawing from these traditions, Muslims have an understanding of the permissible audio arts. For the legally minded, the traditional consensus is that nothing can be forbidden that is not explicitly forbidden by the Quran or the Prophet. As a result, contemporary scholars including Shaykh al-Azhar Mahmud Shaltut, Shaykh Yusuf Qaradawi and Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini have all issued legal rulings that audio arts that do not encouraged people to go against the faith are permitted.
Since the birth of Islam the permissibility of music and singing has been debated. Not only the lawfulness of the Performer but also of the audience was discussed. Advocates and opponent's alike traced the legitimacy of their position back to the Quran and the hadiths, the saying of the Prophet. As in present day Egypt, these debates on the lawfulness of music didn't prevent the art from flourishing in places and private homes
The seventeenth century Muslim scholar's Chelebi distinguishes three categories of music: that coming from birds, from the human throat and from instruments. He stated that in Islam it is permissible to listen to the melodies produced by the birds, and to those produced by the human throat subject to certain condition and rules. To listen to instructions that are blown and struct however, is never permissible. Certain instruments are forbidden because they are supposed to incite drinking. The kuba an oblong drum, for instance is prohibited, because of its association with drinking wine, licentious songs and dissolute people. With respect to the human throat, if it produces songs, about wine and debauchery it is not permissible to listen to them.
According to the ethnomusicologist Al - Faruqi religious opinions makes a hierarchy of music and singing in forbidden unflavoured indifferent, recommended and commendable forms. The recitation of the Quran stands at the peak of the hierarchy immediately followed by the call to prayer and religious chants. Also legitimate are various types of songs connected to family celebration, caravan chants, work song and the music of military bands. At the bottom of the hierarchy, we find sensuous music that is performed in association with condemned activities or that is thought to incite to such prohibition practices as consumption of drugs and alcohol lust prostitution etc." These genres are clearly forbidden , haram. Most forms of music and singing, thought fall between these categories and are controversial.
The approval and disapproval of performers is not only related to the genre but also to the context of the performance. Regarding the permissibility of the context, three elements are deemed important by the eleventh century Muslim scholar Imam al- Ghazali that ja time place and associates. It is not acceptable if too much time is devoted to performance so that it interferes with the higher Islamic goals and distract the believers attention from the devotion to God. Full- time professional performers are accordingly less acceptable if too much time is devoted to performance so that it interferes with the higher Islamic goals and distracts the believers attention form.
Role of music in Islamic mysticism:
During Sama, a spiritual ceremony of music, song and dance. Sufi music provides a space for the soul to experience closeness with divinity and love. The style and syncopation of Sufi music vary because they reflect a community uniqueness yet the purpose of the sama remains the same.
Who started music in Islam:
The first and the greatest musician of the Umayyad era was Ibn Misjah. Often honoured as the father of Islamic music .Born in Makkah of a Persian family, he was a musical and a skilled singer and lute player.
Quran say about Music:
The Quran does not explicitly forbid music, but so e scholars interpret verses about "idle talk" and "foolish ness" as including music that leads away from the path of God. Others emphasize that the focus should be on the content and purpose of the music, not the music itself.
Islamic
views on music and entertainment vary based on different interpretations of
Islamic teachings. Some scholars believe that music and entertainment are
permissible (halal) as long as they do not promote immorality, distract from
religious duties, or contain inappropriate content. Others, particularly from
more conservative perspectives, argue that music, especially with instruments,
should be avoided as it may lead to sinful behavior.
The Quran
does not explicitly prohibit music, but some Hadiths (sayings of the Prophet
Muhammad) are interpreted as discouraging certain types of music and
entertainment. However, many scholars accept forms of vocal music (such as
Nasheeds) and instrumental music that align with Islamic values. Similarly,
entertainment, including films and theater, is generally accepted as long as it
promotes ethical values and does not contradict Islamic principles.
Ultimately,
views on music and entertainment in Islam depend on the school of thought,
cultural influences, and personal beliefs.
Aspects about Islamic views on Music and Entertainment:
1. Permissibility and Restrictions
- Halal (Permissible)
Entertainment:
Entertainment that aligns with Islamic values, such as poetry,
storytelling, educational media, and religious chants (nasheeds).
- Haram (Forbidden)
Entertainment:
Anything that promotes immorality, explicit content, excessive distraction
from religious duties, or contradicts Islamic teachings.
- Makruh (Discouraged)
Entertainment:
Forms of entertainment that may lead to heedlessness or excessive
indulgence but are not explicitly forbidden.
2. Music in Islamic Traditions
- Quran Recitation &
Religious Chants: Reciting the Quran with a melodious voice is
encouraged, and nasheeds (Islamic songs) are widely accepted.
- Sufi Music: Many Sufi traditions use
music (e.g., Qawwali, Dhikr chanting) as a means of spiritual connection.
- Instrumental Music Debate: Some scholars permit light
instrument use (e.g., drums/duff in weddings and celebrations), while
others restrict it.
3. The Influence of Culture
- Regional Differences: Countries like Turkey,
Indonesia, and parts of Africa embrace Islamic music and art, whereas more
conservative regions impose stricter limitations.
- Islamic Art and Theater: Historical contributions
include storytelling, calligraphy, and moral plays that spread ethical and
religious teachings.
4. Hadith and Quranic Interpretations
- Quran (31:6): Some interpret "idle
talk" as a prohibition against music, while others argue it refers to
misleading speech.
- Prophet Muhammad’s Practices: He permitted the use of
duff (drums) during celebrations and discouraged harmful forms of music.
5. Ethical Considerations in Entertainment
- Content Should Be Morally
Sound: No
vulgarity, immorality, or messages against Islamic principles.
- No Distraction from
Religious Duties: Entertainment should not replace prayers,
Quranic study, or religious responsibilities.
- Moderation is Encouraged: Enjoyment is allowed, but
excessiveness is discouraged.
6. Entertainment and Modern Media
- Islamic Films & Documentaries: Many scholars support
educational and religious films that spread positive messages.
- Music in the Digital Age: Streaming Islamic-friendly
content, such as podcasts and motivational lectures, is widely accepted.
- Social Media &
Influence:
While entertainment is accessible globally, content must be evaluated for
its impact on faith and morality.
Music and
entertainment in Islam depend on intent, content, and moderation. While
some forms are clearly permissible, others are debated based on their potential
impact on faith and morality. Muslims are encouraged to seek guidance from
scholars and maintain a balance between entertainment and religious duties.
Characteristics
about Music and Entertainment in Islam:
1. Ethical and Moral Guidelines
- Must align with Islamic
values and promote good morals.
- Should not contain vulgarity,
profanity, or explicit content.
- Encouraged to have positive
and uplifting messages.
2. Spiritual and Religious Significance
- Quranic recitation is encouraged in a
melodious voice.
- Nasheeds (Islamic songs) are widely accepted if they
have moral and religious themes.
- Sufi music is used for spiritual
reflection in some traditions.
3. Permissibility Based on Content
- Halal (Permissible): Songs or entertainment that
promote good values and do not contradict Islamic teachings.
- Haram (Forbidden): Anything that promotes
immorality, excessive distractions, or sinful behavior.
- Makruh (Discouraged): Music that leads to
heedlessness but is not explicitly forbidden.
4. Cultural and Regional Influence
- Views on music and
entertainment vary across different Islamic cultures.
- Some regions embrace Islamic
arts, while others take a more conservative approach.
5. Instrumentation and Accompaniments
- Some scholars permit percussion
instruments (like the duff) but prohibit wind and string instruments.
- Others believe musical
instruments are acceptable if used in moderation and for beneficial
purposes.
6. Moderation and Balance
- Entertainment should not
lead to negligence of religious duties like prayer.
- Islam encourages moderation
in all aspects of life, including leisure activities.
7. Influence of Modern Media
- Islamic films, educational
content, and podcasts are widely accepted.
- Social media and
entertainment should be used responsibly to avoid harmful content.
Islamic
music and entertainment are characterized by ethical considerations,
spiritual significance, and moderation. The permissibility depends on content,
intent, and impact, encouraging entertainment that enriches faith and
values without leading to excess.
Significance
about Music and entertainment in Islam:
Islamic
perspectives on music and entertainment hold great significance in shaping the spiritual,
ethical, and cultural aspects of Muslim life. These views help maintain a
balance between enjoyment and religious obligations, ensuring that
entertainment aligns with Islamic values.
1. Preservation of Islamic Morals and Ethics
- Encourages modesty and
decency in music and entertainment.
- Prevents exposure to harmful
content that may promote immorality or negative behavior.
- Helps maintain a spiritually
uplifting atmosphere in daily life.
2. Strengthening Faith and Spirituality
- Islamic chants (nasheeds)
and Quranic recitations inspire faith and devotion.
- Encourages forms of
entertainment that bring people closer to God rather than
distracting them.
- Sufi music and poetry serve
as spiritual tools in some Islamic traditions.
3. Encouragement of Beneficial Entertainment
- Supports educational and
motivational content that promotes Islamic teachings.
- Allows for healthy
relaxation and enjoyment within an Islamic framework.
- Encourages cultural arts,
such as Islamic storytelling, poetry, and calligraphy.
4. Preventing Excess and Distraction
- Islam warns against
entertainment that leads to heedlessness of religious duties.
- Encourages moderation
in music and entertainment consumption.
- Protects from overindulgence
in worldly pleasures at the cost of spirituality.
5. Cultural and Social Influence
- Islamic views help shape music,
media, and arts in Muslim societies.
- Provides guidance for
modern entertainment, including films, digital media, and social
platforms.
- Ensures that entertainment reflects
and preserves Islamic identity in a globalized world.
6. Harmonizing Religion with Leisure
- Islam allows permissible
enjoyment that does not contradict religious beliefs.
- Encourages family-friendly
and morally enriching entertainment.
- Strives for a balanced
lifestyle, where entertainment coexists with religious
responsibilities.
Islamic
views on music and entertainment serve as guidelines for ethical and
meaningful enjoyment. By emphasizing moderation, morality, and
spirituality, they help Muslims engage with entertainment in a way that enriches
their faith while allowing cultural expression
Principle
about Music and Entertainment in Islam:
. Islam
provides clear principles to guide music and entertainment, ensuring
they align with ethical, spiritual, and moral values. These principles
help Muslims engage in leisure activities without compromising their faith.
1. Permissibility (Halal vs. Haram)
- Entertainment should be lawful
(halal) and not lead to sinful behavior.
- Anything that promotes immorality,
indecency, or un-Islamic values is considered haram.
- Content should be free
from vulgarity, obscenity, and harmful influence.
2. Spiritual and Religious Alignment
- Music and entertainment
should not distract from religious duties like prayer, fasting, and
Quranic study.
- Nasheeds (Islamic songs),
Quranic recitations, and Sufi poetry are widely accepted as spiritually uplifting.
- Entertainment should
encourage gratitude to Allah rather than heedlessness.
3. Moderation and Balance
- Islam discourages excessive
indulgence in entertainment that leads to negligence of
responsibilities.
- Leisure activities should be
balanced with worship, work, and family obligations.
- Muslims are encouraged to enjoy
lawful entertainment in moderation.
4. Ethical and Moral Considerations
- Entertainment must uphold good
character and values.
- Music and media should promote
decency, respect, and beneficial knowledge.
- Avoidance of entertainment
that encourages violence, vulgarity, or unethical behavior.
5. Cultural and Social Influence
- Islam allows for cultural
diversity in entertainment as long as it does not contradict Islamic
teachings.
- Encourages Islamic arts,
literature, poetry, and storytelling as forms of positive
entertainment.
- Supports family-friendly
and community-centered activities.
6. Type of Instruments and Music
- Some scholars permit percussion
instruments (like the duff), especially for celebrations.
- Others restrict wind and
string instruments, believing they can lead to heedlessness.
- Vocal music, such as nasheeds
without instruments, is widely accepted.
7. Avoidance of Harmful Effects
- Entertainment should not
lead to addiction or obsession.
- Music and media should not negatively
influence behavior or weaken faith.
- Avoidance of entertainment
that wastes time or promotes negative habits.
Conclusion
The
principles of music and entertainment in Islam emphasize moderation,
morality, and spiritual well-being. While enjoyment is allowed, it should
not contradict Islamic teachings or lead to heedlessness. Muslims are
encouraged to engage in entertainment that is beneficial, uplifting, and
aligned with faith.
Importance
about Music and Entertainment in Islam:
Music and
entertainment hold significant importance in Islam as they influence spirituality,
culture, morality, and social life. While Islam encourages permissible
(halal) entertainment, it also sets guidelines to ensure it remains ethical and
beneficial.
1. Encourages Spiritual and Emotional Well-Being
- Nasheeds (Islamic songs) and Quranic recitations
inspire faith and devotion.
- Sufi music and poetry help in spiritual
reflection and connection with God.
- Uplifting and positive
entertainment can
reduce stress and bring joy while staying within Islamic boundaries.
2. Promotes Islamic Morals and Ethics
- Entertainment can be a tool
for education and moral development.
- Islamic storytelling,
poetry, and arts preserve and spread Islamic values.
- Encourages family-friendly
and community-oriented leisure activities.
3. Provides a Balanced Lifestyle
- Islam allows lawful
enjoyment while maintaining religious obligations.
- Entertainment, when
approached correctly, prevents monotony and excessive rigidity in life.
- Encourages healthy social
interactions and cultural expression.
4. Strengthens Islamic Identity in Modern Media
- Islamic media (films,
documentaries, and digital content) help spread knowledge and positive messages.
- Helps Muslims engage with global
entertainment while maintaining faith and principles.
- Provides an alternative to harmful
or unethical entertainment.
5. Encourages Cultural and Artistic Expression
- Islam has a rich history
of poetry, calligraphy, storytelling, and music.
- Nasheeds, religious plays,
and traditional Islamic arts contribute to cultural identity.
- Allows Muslims to express
creativity within ethical and religious limits.
6. Avoids Negative Influences and Excesses
- Islam discourages entertainment
that promotes immorality, violence, or sinful behavior.
- Encourages moderation to prevent
addiction, distraction, and heedlessness.
- Helps in choosing content
that aligns with faith and positive development.
Islamic ways of entertainment:
Permissible kinds of leisure and entertainment include: going out to hunt; swimming; going out to parks; going on trips that include some programs for the purpose of entertainment and leisure whilst paying attention to Islamic guidelines, with good companions; sports of various types, computer programs and apps.
Muslims listen to music during Ramadan:
The playing of board games, spreading gossip, chewing gum, swearing,are all included in this list. It is believed that when Muslims choose to listen to music during Ramadan, it takes them away from their focus and communication with God during the holiest month.
Sufi music in Islam:
Sufi music refers to the devotional music of the Sufis, inspired by the works of Sufi poets like Rumi, Hafiz, Bulleh Shah, Amir Khusrow, and Khwaja Ghulam Farid. Qawwali is the best known form of Sufi music and is most commonly found in the Sufi culture. In South Asia.
Benefits of Sufi music:
The meta- analysis showed that Sufi music therapy reduced symptoms of state anxiety. There was a high level of heterogeneity among studies in the meta analysis. The evidence of Sufi music's effect on anxiety was rated as very low. Sufi music may reduce depression, clinical symptoms of schizophrenia and stress.
Characteristics of Islamic music:
Islamic music is characterized by a highly subtle organization of melody and rhythm, in which the vocal component predominates over the instrumental. It is based on the skill of the individual artist, who is both composer and performance an who benefits from a relatively high degree of artistic freedom.
Which prophet was given music:
Allah gave the Prophet Dawud the most beautiful voice out of all humans especially when reciting the verses in Zabur to the points where the mountains and birds follow his voice in glorifying Allah.
Which type of music is Arabic:
Arabic music or Arab music is the music of the Arab world, including several genres and styles of music ranging from Arabic classical to Arabic pop music and from secular to sacred music.
Conclusion:
Music and entertainment in Islam serve as sources of joy, education, and cultural expression while maintaining spiritual and moral integrity. By following Islamic principles, Muslims can enjoy entertainment in a balanced, ethical, and spiritually uplifting way.