Permissible music is the music that is not suitable for such gatherings...

Permissible music is the music that is not suitable for such gatherings, even if it does not soothe the nerves like the martial music and that played at funerals. Question: Just as many questions are asked about halal and haram music, many questions are asked about halal and haram songs. Is it correct to say that haram songs are those that arouse sexual, lustful urges and promote unstable and degrading behaviour?

Is it correct to say that songs that do not arouse lustful desires, but elevate the souls and thoughts to lofty levels like religious songs of praise dedicated to the (s.a.w.) and the Imams (a.s.), or the songs that lift the spirits and morale [of the fighters] and the like are halal songs? Answer: All songs (al-ghina’) are haram . Based on the definition that we accept, al-ghina’ is the entertaining expression by way of tunes that are common to those who provide entertainment and amusement.

In this prohibition, we should include the recitation of the Holy Qur’an, supplications ( du‘a s), and songs of praise of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) uttered to the accompaniment of those tunes [that are used by the entertainers]. The prohibition of reciting other non-entertaining expressions —like songs intended to lift the morale [of fighters]— is based on compulsory precaution. However, the tune that cannot be described as such is not haram by itself. 560.

Question: Is it permissible to listen to religious songs in praise of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) that are accompanied with music? Answer: Songs (al-ghina’) are haram absolutely. However, singing praise [of the Prophet or the Ahlul Bayt] that is sung with a good tune but is not in ghina’ form is without problem. As for the music, it would be allowed, if it is not suitable for entertainment and amusement gatherings. 561 .

Question: Is it permissible to soothe the senses by listening to the reciter of the Qur’an who recites in a vibrant, quavering tone? Answer: If the tune used in its recitation is not ghina’ , there is no problem in listening to it. 562 .

Question: Some of the reciters, singers or chanters adopt the tunes of sinful people [i.e., haram entertainers] and then sing or chant with their tunes poems in praise of the Prophet (s.a.w.) and his family—the result is that the context is different from that of the sinful people, yet the tune is suitable to theirs. Is it forbidden to sing in this way? Is it forbidden to listen [in this case]? Answer: Yes, based on obligatory precaution it is forbidden. 563 .