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The Status of Music in Islam 1 - Al-Shia The Scientific and Cultural Website of Shia belief The Status of Music in Islam 1 2021-06-19 3018 Views Music in Islam Since time immemorial, the issue of music has been debated by various sectors of the Muslim world. Both sides in the debate have brought their proofs and arguments with the hope of making the other side see “the light” and thus bring an end to this time-consuming dilemma.

It is not the purpose of this short article to bring all the evidence in regards to the ruling of Allah and His Prophet in regards to music; rather, we will suffice with the minimum, with the hopes that Insha-Allah, it will help and guide the Muslims – especially the youth – to distinguish between what is right and what is wrong.

Before discussing the ruling of music, a few of the Islamic (Arabic) terms must be defined that are constantly referred to in this article, in the different ahādīth and in the various books of Ahkam. These include the following: Muṭrib : The definition of Muṭrib according to the scholars of Islam and the Arabic language is: خفةٌ يعتري الانسان لشدة حزن أو سرور Muṭrib sounds are those which cause a person to become carefree, happy or sad (bring about a change in one’s emotions).

(1) Ghinā : The ‘Ulamā have defined Ghinā as such: مد الصوت المشتمل على الترجيع المطرب Ghinā is the prolonging of the voice, along with a change of pitch in the throat, such that it would be suitable for gatherings of vain and futile pleasure (muṭrib). (2) In itself, a pleasing sound or reciting something in a pleasing way does not constitute Ghinā.

Rather Ghinā is explained as the prolonging of the sound along with a change in the pitch in such a way that is suitable for vain and futile gatherings and assemblies of sinning (such as nightclubs, discos, dance halls, etc.). Lahw : This is an Arabic term which is used extensively in Islamic jurisprudence and it means anything that is vain or futile.

Sometimes, it will be used to refer to a place such as when scholars refer to music that is played or used in places where vain or futile acts are taking place such as the nightclub, discos, etc; and sometimes it refers to a particular act or certain acts that are done with no use or purpose behind them except to ‘waste time’. Music : When we talk about Music, we are actually referring to the complete piece of work that one is listening to which includes the sounds (instruments) and the lyrics.