By “singing ...

By “singing — al-ghina’, ” I mean an amusing statement expressed in the tunes that are suitable for those who provide entertainment and amusement. It is not permissible to recite the Holy Qur’an, supplications ( du‘a s), and words of praise in tunes that are commensurate to entertainment and amusement gatherings. Based on obligatory precaution, one must refrain from reciting other non-amusing statements, in poetry or prose, in that tune.

(See the question-answer section below.) The prohibition of intentionally listening and giving ear to haram songs and music has beenmentioned in the holy tradition. The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said, “And the person with the [sin of] singing (al-ghina’) will be raised [on the day of resurrection] blind, deaf and dumb.

The person with [the sin of] adultery, of wood-wind, and of drum will also be raised in the same way.”[^1] He also said, “Whoever listens to the entertainment (song and music), lead will be melted inside his ear on the day of judgment.” ^2 He also said, “Singing and music are enchantment for adultery.”[^3] That is, it is a stepping stone or a way that leads to adultery. It is permissible for a woman to dance in front of her husband to please and arouse him.

But it is not permissible for her to dance in front of other men; based on obligatory precaution, she must not dance in front of other women also. (See the question-answer section below.) It is permissible to applaud in a marriage ceremony, religious gatherings, seminars, and other functions. This is equally permissible for women and men. Questions and Answers Question: Many questions are asked concerning permissible and forbidden music.

Is it correct to say that the music that arouses sexual, lustful urges and promotes unstable and degrading behaviour is the forbidden one?

And is it correct to say that the music that soothes the nerves or causes relaxation, the music that forms the background of a scene in a movie to increase the effect of the scene on the viewers, the music that is used for physical exercise during workouts, the music that dramatizes a particular scene by its tune, or the one that arouses the zeal [in soldiers] is the permissible one?

Answer: Forbidden music is the music that is suitable for entertainment and amusement gatherings, even if it does not arouse sexual temptations.