Music and Islam: Prohibition Arguments

Certain Quran verses, like Surah Luqman (31:6), which mention 'idle talk' are interpreted by some scholars to include music as a distraction from God's path.

A hadith narrated by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) associates musical instruments with forbidden indulgences, comparing them to fornication and alcohol.

Music, especially certain kinds, can consume time and attention, diverting people from important religious practices like prayer and remembrance of God (dhikr).

Many contemporary songs contain inappropriate themes and lyrics that promote behaviors that contradict Islamic values such as alcohol consumption, pre-marital relationships, and rebellion against moral codes.

Historically, music has been linked to gatherings where sinful activities such as drinking alcohol and engaging in illicit relationships occur.

Islamic tradition associates music with Iblis, the devil, suggesting it distracts people from their faith and leads them towards sin.

The Quranic verse about Iblis's strategies mentions using "your voice" to mislead people. Some scholars interpret this to include music as a deceptive tool.

Music is believed to be a way Satan tricks people into finding forbidden things appealing and enjoyable.

In the Islamic context, music is perceived to weaken one's connection to Allah and potentially corrupt faith.

This story emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the heart and soul from harmful influences, encouraging Muslims to choose entertainment that aligns with their faith.

Music can make people feel very happy or very sad, which can harden their hearts and make them less receptive to spiritual guidance.

Islam encourages Muslims to avoid imitating the customs of non-Muslims, especially those that go against Islamic beliefs. Music often is connected to non-Islamic cultures and practices that promote enjoyment of worldly pleasures and distract from the afterlife.

Islam emphasizes modesty in behavior and speech. Many types of modern music include lyrics, performances, or visuals that are immodest. This immodesty goes against Islamic standards of decency.

Islam emphasizes that time is a precious resource and should be used wisely for acts of worship, self-improvement, and good deeds. Time spent listening to music is seen as a waste of time because it does not provide any benefit for this life or the afterlife.

Music can create strong feelings like joy, sadness, or excitement. This manipulation of emotions can lead to behavior driven by uncontrollable feelings rather than reason and faith. Islam emphasizes a balanced emotional state based on Islamic teachings.

Listening to music can become addictive, making it difficult to focus on important daily activities and acts of worship. This creates a distraction from spiritual and mental development.

Islam offers alternatives to music, such as Islamic poetry or nasheeds, for entertainment and artistic expression. These forms of expression reinforce Islamic values and avoid the negative effects of music.

Excessive music consumption has been linked to mental stress and distraction, making it hard to maintain inner peace and focus. Islam emphasizes that remembering and reciting the Quran brings true peace and tranquility to the soul.

Music can influence behavior. The rhythm, lyrics, and mood of a song can lead to unwanted actions and thoughts that are inconsistent with Islamic teachings. Islam seeks to avoid these negative influences by discouraging activities that can harm a believer's conduct.

The goal of a Muslim's life is to worship Allah and purify their soul. Music, especially when tied to worldly desires, distracts from this goal and hinders spiritual growth and closeness to Allah.

Iblis (Satan) led his followers to create musical instruments and melodies that would captivate the hearts of humans and distract them from their spiritual obligations. This music would evoke strong emotions that would pull them away from prayer and other acts of worship.

Music became a means for people to indulge in worldly pleasures, making them forget their duty to remember and worship Allah.

Iblis uses music as a trap to lead people into sinful gatherings, actions, and thoughts, such as drinking, fornication, and heedlessness of Allah’s commands.

Music is not a gift from Allah but a tool used by Iblis to mislead humanity. This is why listening to music is considered haram.