The discussion on the permissibility (or not) of music and musical instruments in Islam has been a subject of scholarly debate. Various Quranic verses and Hadiths have been interpreted to suggest the impermissibility of singing and playing musical instruments, especially when they lead to heedlessness of Allah and moral corruption. Below is a detailed analysis of the relevant texts and interpretations.
- Quranic References Regarding Music and Singing
- A) Interpretation of “Lahw al-Hadith” (لهو الحديث) – Distracting Amusement
One of the key Quranic references often cited in discussions about music is the verse:
“And among people is he who purchases the distracting amusement of things (لهو الحديث) to mislead others from the way of Allah without knowledge and takes it in ridicule. For such there will be a humiliating punishment.” (31:6)
– Several Sahabah and early Islamic scholars have explained Lahw al-Hadith as referring to singing and musical instruments.
– Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (R) said, “By Allah, it refers to music.”
– Ibn Abbas, Jabir ibn Abdullah, and Mujahid similarly interpreted this verse to include singing and musical entertainment.
Even those scholars who interpreted Lahw al-Hadith more broadly as any form of amusement that distracts from the remembrance of Allah included music and singing within its scope.
- B) The Interpretation of “Zur” (Falsehood)
Another Quranic verse that has been linked to the ruling on music is:
“And they do not witness falsehood (زور) and when they pass by ill speech, they pass by with dignity.” (25:72)
– Imam Abu Hanifah, Mujahid, and Muhammad ibn al-Hanafiyyah explained zur (falsehood) as referring to singing and musical entertainment.
- Prophetic Sayings (Hadith) on Music and Musical Instruments
- A) Hadith on the Consequences of Music
A narration from Abu Malik al-Ash’ari (رضي الله عنه) reported in Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, and Ibn Hibban states:
“Some people from my Ummah will drink wine, calling it by another name. Music will be played before them with instruments and singing women. Allah will cause the earth to swallow them, and He will transform some of them into monkeys and pigs.” (Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, Ibn Hibban)
– This Hadith warns of severe consequences for indulging in music and musical instruments, especially in gatherings involving intoxicants and immorality.
– The mention of “changing into monkeys and pigs” is interpreted by scholars as either literal punishment (as happened to some previous nations) or metaphorical, indicating the moral and spiritual degeneration of those involved in such activities.
- B) Hadith Prohibiting Musical Instruments
Abdullah ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنه) narrates that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Allah has forbidden wine, gambling, the drum (كُوبَة), and the string instrument (مَعْزِف).” (Imam Ahmad, Abu Dawud, and Ibn Hibban)
– Here, the mention of “drum and string instrument” clearly indicates, according to many scholars, that the Prophet ﷺ regarded these as impermissible.
– The reasoning behind this prohibition, as explained by many scholars, is that musical instruments often accompany immoral behaviour, distract from the remembrance of Allah, and lead people towards heedlessness.
- C) A Hadith Mentioning the Signs of the Last Days
Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) reported that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“When spoils are taken as personal property, trust is treated as booty, Zakat is seen as a burden, knowledge is acquired for worldly gain, a man obeys his wife and disobeys his mother, draws close to his friend and distances himself from his father, voices rise in mosques, the most wicked person in a tribe becomes its leader, and the most despicable member of a people becomes their chief; when a person is honoured out of fear of his evil, when singing girls and musical instruments become widespread, when intoxicants are consumed, and when the later generations of this Ummah curse the earlier ones- then wait for a red wind, an earthquake, the earth swallowing people, transformations into animals, pelting of stones from the sky, and other signs following one another like beads falling off a broken string.” (Tirmidhi, who graded it Hasan-Gharib)
– This Hadith lists music and singing girls among the signs of the moral decay that will precede divine punishment.
– The spread of music and entertainment is placed in the same category as disrespect to parents, corruption of leadership, and widespread sin, indicating its negative impact on the spiritual health of society.
- Scholarly Opinions on Music
– Imam Abu Hanifah, Imam Malik, and Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal all regarded musical instruments as impermissible (haram).
– Imam al-Shafi’i considered music makruh (disliked) but not outright haram unless it led to sinful behaviour.
– Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn al-Qayyim strongly condemned music, considering it a tool of Satan to distract believers from the remembrance of Allah.
According to a significant number of scholars, the use of musical instruments is not inherently prohibited in and of itself. However, if musical instruments are employed in contexts that include lewd lyrics, objectify women, promote vice, or encourage immoral behaviour, then such usage becomes impermissible. Scholars who hold this view interpret the relevant Quranic verses and Hadiths in light of the context and content, rather than imposing a blanket prohibition on all forms of music. This perspective is supported by erudite scholars from both the past and present, who emphasise the importance of intention, content, and context in determining the permissibility of music.
For me personally, the primary concern lies in the modern entertainment industry and its influence, particularly within the Muslim community. Many events organised today mirror the approaches of mainstream pop and rock concerts, where young people, especially girls, are encouraged to idolise and emotionally attach themselves to performers. This dynamic can lead to a host of societal and spiritual problems, including the erosion of modesty, the promotion of superficial values, and the distraction from more meaningful pursuits. Such environments often normalise behaviours and attitudes that are at odds with Islamic principles.
From a fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) perspective, my personal view is that the use of musical instruments is makruh (disliked but not outright prohibited). This is because the evidence cited to support a complete prohibition is either weak (not authentic) or ambiguous (not clear). What this means to me is that it is best to avoid the use of musical instruments and not normalise their usage in everyday life. However, if they must be used, it should be done with the utmost caution. If musical instruments are not explicitly forbidden, Muslims must exercise caution and mindfulness in engaging with the entertainment industry. The industry often promotes values and behaviours that conflict with Islamic teachings, such as extravagance, vanity, and the objectification of individuals.
As Muslims, we are encouraged to prioritise activities that enrich our faith, strengthen our character, and benefit society. While music and art can have positive aspects, such as fostering creativity and expressing emotions, they must be approached with a critical eye to ensure they align with Islamic values. The potential harms of the entertainment industry-such as the normalisation of immodesty, the promotion of materialism, and the cultivation of unhealthy attachments to celebrities-should not be underestimated.
Music has long been recognised for its ability to influence human emotions, cognition, and behaviour. It has the power to uplift, inspire, and provide a form of self-expression. However, extensive research suggests that music can also have adverse effects, particularly when it reinforces negative emotions or unhealthy psychological patterns. Adolescents, who are in a crucial stage of emotional and cognitive development, are especially vulnerable to the effects of music.
While parents often perceive music as a harmless or even beneficial outlet for their children, studies indicate that certain types of music can contribute to emotional distress, psychological disturbances, and even spiritual corruption. Beyond its psychological impact, there are also growing concerns about the role of music in promoting occult influences, with reports suggesting that some musicians engage in witchcraft and other esoteric practices. These aspects make it necessary to critically examine the role of music in modern culture and its impact on young minds.
The Link Between Music and Psychological Distress
One of the most well-documented negative effects of music is its ability to trigger or worsen rumination, a repetitive pattern of negative thinking that has been strongly linked to depression and anxiety. Studies have found that adolescents who listen to melancholic or emotionally intense music when experiencing distress may actually be reinforcing their negative emotions rather than alleviating them. Instead of serving as an emotional outlet, certain types of music can intensify sadness and despair.
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology (2020) found that individuals who engage in music-induced rumination are more likely to experience prolonged negative moods, with the music acting as a reinforcer rather than a source of relief (Garrido & Schubert, 2020). Similarly, another study in the Journal of Adolescence reported that teenagers who listened to self-identified sad music during periods of distress experienced increased feelings of hopelessness and emotional dysregulation (Miranda et al., 2019).
Adolescents may turn to music as a form of emotional validation, hoping to find solace in lyrics and melodies that reflect their inner turmoil. However, research suggests that rather than providing comfort, certain musical patterns, lyrics, and tones can deepen emotional distress. This is particularly concerning given the increasing prevalence of mental health disorders among adolescents worldwide.
Music, Identity Formation, and Behavioural Patterns
Music is more than just an emotional stimulus; it plays a crucial role in shaping an adolescent’s personal, social, and cultural identity. The genre of music that a teenager prefers can be a strong indicator of their worldview, personality traits, and behavioural tendencies. Certain genres have been linked to higher rates of substance abuse, defiance of authority, violent tendencies, and impulsive behaviour.
Research conducted by Miranda and Claes (2008) examined the relationship between musical preferences and adolescent behaviour. Their study found that certain music genres-particularly heavy metal, rap, and punk- were associated with higher levels of risk-taking behaviours, aggression, and substance use. Other studies highlighted that exposure to aggressive or rebellious music correlated with increased externalising behaviours such as delinquency and defiance (Selfhout et al., 2017).
Beyond behavioural effects, music also plays a role in reinforcing social schema and influencing peer group dynamics. Many teenagers align their identities with specific music subcultures, which can either positively or negatively impact their development. For instance, some musical communities foster creativity and artistic expression, while others may encourage antisocial behaviour, nihilism, or rebellion against societal norms.
Neuroscientific and Psychological Mechanisms of Music’s Influence
The impact of music on the brain is a subject of extensive scientific study. Recent research has examined how different neurological and psychological mechanisms contribute to emotional and behavioural responses to music. A key model known as BRECVEMA identifies eight major ways in which music affects human emotions:
- Brain Stem Reflex – Music can trigger automatic physiological responses, such as increased heart rate or stress reactions.
- Rhythmic Entrainment – The brain synchronises with the beat of the music, influencing mood and physical movement.
- Evaluative Conditioning – People associate certain songs with emotional experiences.
- Emotional Contagion – Listeners absorb and internalise the emotions expressed in music.
- Visual Imagery – Music stimulates mental imagery, which can reinforce emotional states.
- Episodic Memory – Music is tied to personal memories, triggering associated emotions.
- Musical Expectancy – The brain anticipates musical structures, creating emotional responses.
- Aesthetic Judgment – Personal evaluation of music affects emotional reactions.
A study by Larwood (2022) found that individuals with high rumination tendencies were more susceptible to emotional contagion, meaning they were more likely to internalise the emotions of the music they listened to. This supports the idea that adolescents experiencing depression may deliberately choose music that intensifies their negative emotional states, leading to a harmful cycle of reinforcement.
The Spiritual and Occult Influences in the Music Industry
Beyond the psychological and neurological effects of music, there are growing concerns about its spiritual implications. Historically, music has been associated with mystical and supernatural influences, with certain melodies, rhythms, and lyrics believed to invoke spiritual entities or altered states of consciousness.
Numerous reports suggest that many musicians and singers engage in occult practices, witchcraft, and esoteric rituals as part of their careers. This is not merely speculation- several artists have openly admitted to drawing inspiration from mystical practices, and occult symbols frequently appear in music videos, lyrics, and stage performances.
– Occult rituals and symbols are prominently displayed in modern music videos, concerts, and album artwork.
– Some artists claim to have experienced spiritual possession or supernatural inspiration during their creative processes.
– The use of subliminal messaging and hidden themes in music has been widely debated, with concerns that it influences listeners on a subconscious level.
Given the growing concerns about music-induced rumination, rebellious subcultures, and occult connections, it is essential for parents, educators, and adolescents themselves to develop a conscious and critical approach to music consumption.
