Is this true? Regarding music.

I never thought about it, really.

Beechlgz wrote: My Muslim friend informs me that music is frowned upon in Islam, is this true? Or was he exaggerating? I do find it very unusual and I was surprised because music is considered where I am one of those universal things. "Everyone" likes music, no matter what religion, race or background you come from, you "should" have a type of music you like.

Yes, most types of Music is discouraged in Islam. Certain types are allowed.

While I can understand where you are coming from, "Everyone likes Music" is not a very good excuse/reason for why it should be allowed.  People like a lot of things, that does not necessarily mean it is good or okay. People's affiliations and "likes" cannot be a standard for what things should allowed or not. Many democratic or western (capitalist?) countries have that model - allow whatever the public demands. In Islam, it is a bit different. Under Islam - a person's likes or dislikes take a back seat for the greater good - which has been defined by Allah. This is why gambling, drinking and other sorts of activities are banned, while the public may very well want them.

Yes, there are types of music out there that seem harmless - perhaps even beneficial to some people. I used to dwell on this too, but then I realized (as with many things in Islam) that while some things may appear harsh or strict in Islam - when you actually think about it, look around you and apply practicality - they work ! and they make perfect sense.

Take a look at the popular music today - what is the message being delivered ? What does the music stand for ? Religion aside, many families with certain values would not want their children listening to such media ! Pick out a random song from the charts, and just look at what its saying ! Look at the music videos ! It just doesn't seem right anymore. In my family for example, our parents never banned music, but they were strict about the kind of music we listened to. Not just because of Islam - but because it wasn't appropriate. At least back then there were some options left for us. Nowadays when I look at popular music, (i was gonna say "most") but none of the popular music seems appropriate for my younger siblings and cousins anymore !!!!! Religious or not (Muslim or not) - many families/parents/guardians will find themselves with a similar view towards music when it comes to people under there care. Islam simply foresees such things and implements them.

People might say that the problem is with modern day pop music, and there other options that could be allowed - but there is also another aspect attached to it. We as Muslims are not supposed to look at "benefits" when following Islam - we do so because it is a command of Allah, and we have faith that it is for the greater good.

However we can contemplate upon why certain things were allowed or disallowed. One of the main focus of Islam is to make you a better human being, and a constructive member of society. We are supposed to cultivate our spirit and soul on earth - and unfortunately (most kinds of) Music doesn't help that. It is a distraction, and actually effects your heart and mind. Anything that does not help you become a better person (muslim) on earth is considered "useless" and fruitless. Not to mention that it has the tendency to get people addicted and distracted from more constructive activities.

Well this is how most (again, generalizing here) Muslims approach the issue regarding Islam & music, hope that gave you some insight. There are Muslims who strictly avoid listening to any such music, then there are those who for the most part avoid music - and the vast majority that does listen to music.