The topic of music sparks significant debate. Some people argue that it is forbidden (haram), whereas others disagree, and there are numerous moderate perspectives that exist in between these two positions.

I believe that music, as a naturally pleasing succession of sounds or arrangements of sounds in meaningful, rhythmic, melodic, and harmonious orders, is intrinsic. It is innocently desirable and undeniably gratifying and soothing to the mind and soul, for there is nothing dearer to the human soul, as man's sixth sense, than order, balance, harmony, and proportion.

As such, fundamentally, music (specific sounds and their meaningful and pleasant arrangements) is not prohibited. It is mubah (permissible) depending on many external factors that may keep it within the limits of permissibility or may render it objectionable or prohibited.

Click here to read my elaborate discussion of the topic.

Today, when the idea and widespread phenomenon of music—often accompanied by singing, which can be seen as a unified package—are dominated by the godless and immoral pop culture of the West and its so-called civilization, there is little that can be singled out and defended in the name of the essential and natural wholesomeness of music.

There is too much depravity and impurity in the music realm for the other potentially more positive aspects to be recognized and remembered.

For example, it is virtually impossible to imagine pop, rock, rap, disco, jazz, and blues music with elements that may be appropriate for Muslims, such as lyrics, artist behavior, overall presentation, and the broader environments in which music and singing are presented. 

It is normally these genres of music that shape the views of those who believe that music, in general, is prohibited – which is understandably a valid opinion.

On the other hand, those who argue that music should not be unconditionally declared haram consider music's intrinsic nature, the Qur'an and Sunnah's lack of a complete and explicit ban on it, and the instances of music and singing during the Prophet's time when the foundation of Islamic civilization was established – a viewpoint that is also justifiably sound.

It goes without saying that the truth is somewhere in between. The proponents of both perspectives should be more open-minded and flexible, trying to find common ground and work together to combat the harm affiliated with and aggressively promoted through music. 

Surely, the commonalities that bind the two perspectives together surpass the differences that separate them.

That is why I believe that music—in its capacity as naturally harmonious and beautiful compositions and tunes that predate the obscenity of Western pop culture or any other equally immoral civilization—is permissible. Islam only prohibits its distortions, when its natural beauty and inherent appeal are tainted by corruption and sin.

It is unfortunately undeniable that millions of Muslims, young and old, are enslaved by the apparent allure of especially Western music, suffocating inside the cage constructed of the components of its false fulfillment and happiness.

What follows are six tips aimed at helping these Muslims see where things are wrong and how they can overcome their mental and spiritual predicament.

First

Dear Muslim, remember that the people behind Western music and entertainment in general have almost nothing in common with you. Your Muslim beliefs, values, life standards, thinking patterns, reasons for existing, and life mission are completely different from theirs.

In a nutshell, your goal is to worship your Creator as a way of life, to follow the example of your divinely-ordained role model, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family), and to attain Jannah (Paradise) on the Day of Judgment. Associating yourself in any way with those people will not help you; it may only hinder you, and in the worst-case scenario, derail you.

It seems that every single thing you undertake is rooted, one way or another, in Islamic inspiration, whereas they consistently pursue actions that are not only unethical but also utterly lacking in any sense of spirituality or reverence for God. This leads one to ponder: what, if any, connection exists between your beliefs and their practices?

The Prophet said in a sahih hadith (Sahih al-Bukhari, Jami’ al-Tirmidhi) that on the Day of Judgment, one will be with those whom he loves. Therefore, on that day, when push comes to shove, the morally corrupt musicians and singers will be the last group you will want to be allied with. You will flee in terror from their presence.

But why not distance yourself from them now, while you still have time and opportunities to change your habits? Remember, they are the ones who invite you to their ways and so, try to take you to self-destruction and hellfire, while Allah invites you to Paradise and forgiveness, by His permission (al-Baqarah 221).

Second

The character and content of the music and songs produced by the mentioned people reflect who they are and what they live for. Their music and songs are a reflection of themselves: ungodly, profane, sacrilegious, sensual, vain, materialistic, avaricious, egocentric, and self- indulgent.

Take some time to reflect on where you, as Allah’s vicegerent on earth, fit into the above framework. Consider whether those people as companions and their contributions as “provisions” are worthy of your attention while you strive to serve your Creator and work diligently to earn Allah’s pleasure and gain entry into His Jannah.

It's obvious that the closer your relationship is with them and their music, the greater the risk to your identity as a Muslim and the integrity of your faith. Ensure that your affections are directed solely towards what Allah loves and that you similarly hold disdain only for what He does not favor. To Muslims, positively, the Will and Word of Allah are the Criterion.

Third

Music and songs are increasingly ideologized. Nowadays, there is very little that exists purely for entertainment and enjoyment. Many individuals and groups, representing various philosophies and worldviews, compete for a share in the seemingly endless market of humanity to influence and control.

Music is as much a means as it is an end in organized proselytization efforts. It is often said that music is akin to a religion, providing a sense of purpose in the world and in life. For many people, music is a vital source of meaning and existential nourishment.

Friedrich Nietzsche, the father of nihilism and the phrase “God is dead,” stated, “Without music, life would be a mistake.” Similarly, Ludwig van Beethoven remarked, “Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy.”

And know, dear Muslim, that you are targeted perhaps more than anyone else because you have a religion, wisdom, and a way of life. Before bringing you into the sphere of music as a religion, you must first be stripped of what you already possess. No person can have two religions or two life models; something has to give.

You, dear Muslim, are much bigger and more important than the baits with which music wants to ensnare you. They understand that, so they want to bring you down and debase you. Therefore, focus on cultivating self-awareness, valuing your identity, and fostering a connection to your Islamic faith.

To them, you hold absolutely no significance whatsoever. In their eyes, you are merely a tool, a pawn that is (mis)appropriated to enhance their wealth, elevate their status, and amplify their influence in the world. This whole situation can be characterized as a nefarious Satanic game, intricately woven with sophisticated designs and their practical applications.

The Holy Qur'an summarizes the phenomenon by referring to it as engaging in the distractions of idle speech, termed lahw al-hadith, which leads many people astray from the righteous path of Allah, as mentioned in the teachings of Surah Luqman, verse 6.

Fourth

There is nothing that has been more exploited and manipulated by the West than music – and by extension, the concepts of fun and entertainment as a whole. Its inherent appeal and undeniable temptation have been optimized to either hyperbolize or devalue, distort or invalidate altogether, the actual and powerful ideas of love, aversion, fear, courage, optimism, doubt, hope, valor, triumph, failure, tragedy, and elation.

Human emotions, cravings, needs, compulsions, and determinations have all been mixed together in a pot of vagueness, confusion, and inner insecurity. What immoral music stirs in a human mind and soul is artificial and short-lived. It signifies a concoction of intellectual and spiritual deceptions, along with subtle and mostly undetectable deliria.

Thus, when you feel under the powerful sway of music, dear Muslim, know that this is not a godsend. Rather, it is a contrived opium intended to distract you from who you truly are and where you are meant to go, dragging you towards the abyss of the uncertain and unknown.

Discern that, in such a manner, you have been emotionally and spiritually hijacked. You have been neither honored nor flattered; instead, you have been victimized and even “abused.” 

Fifth

Western music is either prohibited, which is the case in most instances, or strongly advised against. Hence, it is most often poison for the soul and unwholesome nutrition for the progress of one’s being. Since it is beautifully packaged and enticingly served, it can easily deceive and provide a brief sense of contentment. However, in the long run and in terms of one’s ontological sustainability, such music gradually undermines sanity, realism, and prospects.

Because they have what it takes to adequately judge every vice, including music, Muslims are invited to examine themselves by asking questions such as what genuine goodness or benefits they have gained after years of consuming Western music.

Are they now better, more spiritual, and more enlightened individuals? Are they closer to their Creator and to fulfilling their earthly assignments? In other words, did Western music make them better people and better Muslims?

The answers are obvious because something that contradicts the spirit of the Islamic revealed message cannot be compatible with it, let alone be in a position to support and advance its cause. But then, this raises a set of another questions: why does a person need to continue listening to music? Why not focus on reforming oneself and society? And why allow future generations to follow the same path of self-delusion and self-destruction?

Indeed, in the background of these questions loom larger and more consequential ones: how much and how sincere are Western music lovers in their love for Islam, Almighty Allah, the Holy Prophet, and the Qur’an?

How aware are they of and how much are they working towards attaining the approval of Allah? Certainly, if they are fully aware and sincere, knowing that Western music is a serious impediment, their positions would be much different.

Sixth

As deceived, manipulated, and victimized, Muslims who are obsessed with Western music do not even realize what they are missing in the answers and provisions that Islam offers them. They are unable to experience and appreciate this, leaving them deprived of the beauty of life's existential music, both on earth and in the heavens, and both within and without.

A Muslim should search for a sense of fulfillment in the “music” of life that surrounds him every moment and in every circumstance. An example is the music produced by various elements in nature, at once individually and collectively, because the infinite wonders of the world and its life forms incessantly create the most mesmerizing and correspondingly infinite symphonies.

For these, however, a person ought to develop the appropriate senses and faculties of appreciation. Which is the main objective of the Islamic monotheistic perception of man, nature, and existence as creations, on one hand, and the Almighty Allah as the sole Creator, on the other. With these additional senses and faculties, a person will be able to “listen to and enjoy” the rhythms of the universe’s order, regularity, serenity, and harmony.

Moreover, the types of music and singing allowed in the Sunnah of the Prophet should be fully explored to satisfy the natural interest in the benefits of music. As should be the “music” associated with the recitation of and listening to the Holy Qur’an, dhikr and other religious chants like invoking salam and salawat upon the Prophet and his family, takbir, talbiyah, adhan, spiritual poetry and eloquence, traditional and modern spiritual tunes and their complementary hymns, etc.

A person should compare the impact of godless and immoral music and singing on him with that of the spiritual and intellectual "tunes" of Islam and the natural vibes of life. He should be able to recognize that while the former confines and stifles, the latter liberates and empowers him. While the former dulls his innermost senses, the latter invigorates them.

Ultimately, whereas the former serves as his detrimental nourishment, the latter represents its antithesis.

Finally, it is crucial for Muslims to receive proper education on the meaning, purpose, and role of music. This education should emphasize how music can coexist harmoniously with the cultural and spiritual teachings of Islam, as well as with the fundamental principles and natural laws of life. Individuals have the right to be taught how to use rather than misuse music. 

They in addition should be invested with such intellectual and spiritual capacities as will enable them to deal with the universe of music appropriately, to know where and when to stop while immersing themselves in the minefield of music, and to subject the interests of music to those of the more consequential life engagements.

Furthermore, Muslims are to be taught that, despite its several benefits, music is still regarded as a great trial for humankind. Not everything presented as music is necessarily healthy. The disadvantages of music greatly outweigh its advantages. As a result, it is very difficult to remain completely clean and uncontaminated. Many souls have drowned in the bottomless ocean of music’s temptations, and not many have stayed afloat. Music has become a catacomb of spiritual purity and innocence.

The biggest mistake is thinking that music can bring about ultimate self-fulfillment. Some fools yet believe that music is the key to absolute happiness, to a state of ecstasy. Nonetheless, both history and daily life show that this is not true at all. Sooner or later, those tricked in this way come to realize this, making their entire life journey an underwhelming experience and a bitter disappointment.