Listening to music

Q 4: What is the final decision on listening to vain entertainment and musical instruments? A controversy sparked after a student in the Faculty of Islamic Shari`ah, Jordan University, wrote an article in which he discussed the weakness of the Hadith related in Sahih (authentic) book of Hadith of Al-Bukhari regarding the prohibition of the use of the instruments of vain amusement. The Hadith reads: At the end of time, some of my people who will regard adultery, silk (for men), female singers, and musical instruments as lawful... Or as said by the Prophet (peace be upon him). This article created Fitnah (sedition) among us, since it was published in an Islamic magazine distributed here in India. What is your opinion on that? May Allah reward you with the best!

A: Listening to vain amusement and musical instruments is unanimously Haram (prohibited) as stated by many scholars. The Hadith which was related by Al-Bukhari is Hadith Sahih (authentic Hadith). Those who graded it as weak should be disregarded because many proofs of the Qur'an and Sunnah substantiate otherwise. For instance, Allah (Exalted be He) says, And of mankind is he who purchases idle talks (i.e. music, singing, etc.) to mislead (men) from the Path of Allâh without knowledge (Part No. 26; Page No. 241) Veteran Companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) interpreted the "idle talks" to mean singing. Also, Allah (Exalted be He) addresses Satan, saying, "And befool them gradually those whom you can among them with your voice (i.e. songs, music, and any other call for Allâh’s disobedience) They also interpreted Satan's voice to include singing and pipes. In this regard, we recommend the book titled "Ighathat Al-Lahfan" by Ibn Al-Qayyim who discussed this point in detail. The book is already printed and available.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.