Music in Islam

Hello to all.  I have come here to inquire about the place of music in Islam, as this is a subject I would very much like to know more about.  In my research, some have said flat out that music is not allowed in Islam, while others claim that singing and percussion (drum) are permissable.  Then again, others claim that it IS allowed.  There seems to be much differing opinion on the matter.  It's been some years, but I've read the Qu'ran, know about the Sufi's and their relationship with song and dance, and am a fan of the outpouring of music that comes out of what may be called the Muslim world.  It was a bit of a surprise to me when I first heard that music did not have a place in Islam.   I would like to hear your opinions and I do so with an open mind.  Thanks.

http://abdurrahman.org/character/essexmusicandsinging.html

Chrysalis wrote: bluenote333 wrote: Hello to all.  I have come here to inquire about the place of music in Islam, as this is a subject I would very much like to know more about.  In my research, some have said flat out that music is not allowed in Islam, while others claim that singing and percussion (drum) are permissable.  Then again, others claim that it IS allowed.  There seems to be much differing opinion on the matter.  Hello Bluenote333. Hope this helps you in your research: Imam Suhaib Webb comments on music & singing in Islam. Interesting, do read: http://www.suhaibwebb.com/islam-studies/muslims-gone-wild-suhaib-webb/ Like someone here said, some kinds of music/songs are not really very nice/good. In that case, this is a nice test to use: al-Qasim ibn Muhmmad* was asked about music and said the following: �On the day of Judgement, when Allah distinguishes between truth and falsehood, where will music be?�  So one could ask themselves if the kind of music they are listening to can be justified to Allah/God. This would rule out most of modern-day music. http://www.suhaibwebb.com/islam-studies/the-best-way-to-stop-listening-to-music/

W.S. wrote:     Chrysalis, does this mean you don't listen to music?

I have my phases. There are times when I listen to music. And there are times when I go months without listening to music. It depends on my level of imaan & environment.

In any case, I read the stuff that your links led me to and it would seem, as you imply, that it's really up to you if you whether you should listen to music or not. How does one decide which music is OK and which is not? Sure, and lot of modern-day music could be ruled out using common sense, but where to draw the line?

Lets say in theory we should not listen to music. When it comes to practice, not everyone feels the same ease in implementing a concept. Everybody differs in what areas they are struggling. For some it is Gheebah (Backbiting), for others it is Hijab, Beard, Dress, or Music. Ideally we should be following whatever we learn is Islam - but those of us who find it easy to implement certain orders should have the patience and tolerance to accept other muslims who might  be weaker in an area we are strong in.

As for how do we decide which music is ok (lesser evil) and which is not - that will be the same as a muslim determining how long I can keep my beard, what kind of Hijab will I be able to observe etc etc. Meaning, we all function according to our abilities and what we think  we can do. Our goal should be to follow Qur'an and Sunnah... and for those who are not able to reach certain goals should keep trying their best and never stagnate.

So we use the Qur'an and Sunnah as a yardstick, and goal, and then we try our best to achieve it. Hope I answered your question. Let me know if I was not able to explain myself.