Music & laughter in Islam

[Marble]

Somewhere I read that Islam is not in favour of music, is that true?
What about laughter?

 

[Gharib]

Islam forbids musical instruments apart from 1 or 2 which are not used for creating music specifically but for other purposes.

As for laughter, it is permissible. What is not permissible is excessive laughter as our Prophet has said that it corrupts/kills the heart (meaning it makes you forget from remembering Allah)

Music

Laughter

 

[F0uad]

Regarding Music. The shaitan, indeed, makes what is good look evil and what is evil look good.

References within the context of the Holy Qur`aan along with the Hadith of the Prophet (PBUH) confirm that music is haraam.

Interpreters of the Qur`aan have defined the term `lahwal hadith` which is mentioned in the Qur`aan as:

1) Singing and listening to songs.
2) Purchasing of male and female singers.
3) Purchase of instruments of fun and amusement.

When Sayyidana Abdullah Ibne Mas`ood , a very close companion of our Prophet (PBUH) was asked about the meaning of the term `lahwal hadith`, he replied :

“I swear by Him besides whom there is no other God,that it refers to ghinaa (singing ).”


his statement, he repeated three times. This view is unanimously supported by the four Khalifas, the eminent Sahabaah, Tabi`een, the four Imaams and other reliable Islaamic scholars and authorities.

PROOF FROM THE QURAN.



1st Proof from the Qur’an


“But there are, among men, those who purchase idle tales, without knowledge (or meaning), to mislead (men) from the Path of Allah and throw ridicule (on the Path): for such there will be a humiliating Penalty.” [31:6]

Ibn Abbas (radhi Allahu anh) said idle tales in this verse “lahu al hadith” is evil and music.

Mujahid (rahimahu Allah ) said idle tales in this verse “lahu al hadith” was the drum.

Hassan AlBasri said this verse was revealed about music and musical instruments. Alsady included in this evil talk and musical instruments.

Ibn al Qayyim (rahimahu Allah ) said, “The interpretation of the sahabah (companions) and Tabi’een (their followers) of idle tales in this verse “lahu al hadith” is sufficient in that it means music.”

Abu Alsahbaa’ said I asked Ibn Masoood about Allah’s verse. He said, “Wallahi the one and only one its music – repeating it three times.” (This is authentic in being attributed to Ibn Masood and Ibn Abbas)

Ibn Umar (radhi Allahu anh) also said it means Music.

Therefore, if you take time to observe around you will see that music is a path to adultery and fornication. It plants the seed of hypocrisy , the seed of polytheism. When people turn to music, like it and get addicted to it, it becomes the alcohol of the mind. One turns away from the Qur’an more than anything else once their hearts become addicted to music.


Allah says, “..for such there will be a humiliating Penalty .” for those who replaces the Qur’an with idle tales.


2nd Proof from the Qur’an

“Lead to destruction those whom thou canst among them, with thy (seductive) voice, make assaults on them with thy cavalry and thy infantry; mutually share with them wealth and children; and make promises to them. “But Satan promises them nothing but deceit.” 17:64

Mujahid (rahimahu Allah ) said, “..and his voice is music and evil.”

Ibn al Qayyim (rahimahu Allah ) said, “everyone who speaks in disobedience to Allah and or user of musical instruments, flute, haram duff, drums is the voice of the shytan.”

3rd Proof from the Qur’an :

“Do ye then wonder at this recital? And will ye laugh and not weep. Wasting your time in vanities?” 53: 59-61

Ikrimah (rahimahu Allah) said Ibn abbas said Sumood in the verse mean music; when you say usmud lana it means sing to us.

He said they used to when they heard the Qur’an sing, so Allah revealed the verse.

Ibn Katheer (rahimahu Allah) said in his tafseer under this verse, Sufian Althawry narrated that his father heard Ibn abbas say usmud for us means sing for us.

PROOF FROM THE SUNNAH



1st Proof from the Sunnah

Narrated Abu ‘Amir or Abu Malik Al-Ash’ari that he heard the Prophet saying, “From among my followers there will be some people who will consider illegal sexual intercourse, the wearing of silk, the drinking of alcoholic drinks and the use of musical instruments, (ma`aazif) as lawful.

Detailed analysis of the arabic word `ma`aazif ` shows that it refers to musical instruments, the sounds of those musical instruments and singing with the accompaniment of instruments.

This hadith shows that music is haram through two avenues:

a. The prophet (sallah allahu alieh wasalam) mentioned that they will make permissible, meaning its haram/prohibited and they will make it permissible. Note all the examples in the hadith are issues that are haram.

b. The prophet (sallah allahu alieh wasalam) combined the musical instruments with that which is decisively haram like adultery/fornication and alcohol. Had music not been prohibited then it would not have been combined to that which is prohibited.

Had there not been other than this hadith to show music was haram it would have been enough.

Sheikh Al Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahu Allah) said this hadith proves musical instruments to be haram and “ma’azif” (the term in the hadith is a term used for all musical instruments.)

Then, he went on to say of those who play music or listen to it in the name of Islam, “And know that in the first three centuries whether in Arabian Peninsula, Sham, Yemen, Egypt, Morocco, Iraq, or Khurasan there were none of those who were religious and righteous of worshippers who gather to listen to music whether with a duff, clappings or flute. And, it was done after the first three centuries, when the imams saw this, they refuted it.”


2nd Proof from the Sunnah

Naafey (rahimahu Allah) said Ibn Umar heard a musical instrument so he (sallah allahu alieh wasalam) placed his fingers in his ears and walked away from the area and said, “Naafey can u hear anything?” I said, “No!” He took his fingers out of his ears and said, “I was with the prophet (sallah allahu alieh wasalam) and he heard like this and did as I did.”

Some claim this hadith is not proof on the prohibition of musical instruments because had it been haram the prophet (sallah allahu alieh wasalam) would have plugged his ears and ordered Ibn Umar to do so, and Ibn Umar would have ordered Nafe to do that as well.

The reply to that is there is a difference between “sama-e” and “istima-e” “Sama-e” is to unintentionally hear music and “Istima” is to purposely listen to music or go in a setting where there is music. Here, Ibn Umar and the prophet (sallah allahu alieh wasalam) did not purposely listen and neither did did Naafey.

Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahu Allah ) said, “What one does not intend of listening to is not haram as all scholars agree. Therefore, the prohibition or reward is based on whether it’s istima-e or sama-e. Someone who purposely listen to Qur’an “istima-e” will get reward; yet another who listens accidentally (or not wanting or seeking) does not get reward. Likewise, with musical instruments. Listening to it unintentionally and without seeking it will not hurt him.

Ibn Qudamah AlMaqdise (rahimahu Allah) said that Ibn Umar (radhi Allahu anhuma) did not intend to listen since he was just a passer-by and the prophet (sallah allahu alieh wasalam) walked away from that street. He (sallah allahu alieh wasalam) would not have came back had he not known the music ended and neither would he have taken his fingers out of his ears. Therefore, it was necessary for Ibn Umar (radhi Allahu anhuma) not to place his fingers in his ears to let the prophet (sallah allahu alieh wasalam) know when the music ended.

3rd Proof from the Sunnah

The prophet (sallah allahu alieh wasalam) walked with Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Awf in between pine trees. The prophet (sallah allahu alieh wasalam) then placed his son Ibrahim on his lap and began to cry. Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Awf said, “Oh prophet of Allah do you cry when you stop us from crying?”“I did not deter you from crying. I deterred you from two evil sinful voices – a voice with musical devilish instruments and a voice at a misery with scraping of the face and shredding of the clothe.” He said,


I would say personally that Anasheed with only duff's are allowed but i can be mistaken so i don't listen to them either i prefer Quranic recitation it melts my heart

 

[Rational_Mind]

Somewhere I read that Islam is not in favour of music, is that true?
What about laughter?

Islam does not promote Music in general like the way you would see it incorporated in Christianity as form of worship. Although I would not go as far as to say all Music altogether is forbidden. What matters the most is the type of Music and content. For example, Islam would not have any problem with poetry or classical music as long as it is not some idle time wasting gatherings but something that contributes and is productive. Other types of music with curse words promotion of UnIslamic ideas would be forbidden. Occasion also matters, in Ramadan a person should totally refrain from it and spend more time in listening and reciting the Holy Quran (if you have heard it in Arabic then you know it is very poetic).

Laughter again is on what occasion and what type. There is no problem with laughing unless you are laughing loudly like a crazy man and over stupid things. You can't be laughing on other peoples failures to hurt them, etc.. This uncivil laughing behaviour is not the behaviour of Muslims. It is as simple as being civil. I doubt this can be a challenge for most civilized people.

 

[F0uad]

Islam does not promote Music in general like the way you would see it incorporated in Christianity as form of worship. Although I would not go as far as to say all Music altogether is forbidden. What matters the most is the type of Music and content. For example, Islam would not have any problem with poetry or classical music as long as it is not some idle time wasting gatherings but something that contributes and is productive. Other types of music with curse words promotion of UnIslamic ideas would be forbidden. Occasion also matters, in Ramadan a person should totally refrain from it and spend more time in listening and reciting the Holy Quran (if you have heard it in Arabic then you know it is very poetic).

Laughter again is on what occasion and what type. There is no problem with laughing unless you are laughing loudly like a crazy man and over stupid things. You can't be laughing on other peoples failures to hurt them, etc.. This uncivil laughing behaviour is not the behaviour of Muslims. It is as simple as being civil. I doubt this can be a challenge for most civilized people.

Can i ask what kind of ''classical music'' you are referring to?

 

[Marble]

What about singing the 99 names of Allah to music?
Music can help to enter a meditative state of mind.

 

[F0uad]

What about singing the 99 names of Allah to music?
Music can help to enter a meditative state of mind.

I think personally singing without music is allowed i find it weird how you can just sing the 99 attributes :areyoucra. Anyway in my view showing your devotion to god is true seriousness and following your whole life Islamic in how you speak, behave, act towards everyone humans and animals.
Islam is not just a ''religion'' its a way of life, a way of thinking and reflecting.

Doing Dua is our Meditation

 

[Rational_Mind]

What about singing the 99 names of Allah to music?
Music can help to enter a meditative state of mind.

People begin with asking for some musical background and they take it to the next level. Personally I find it not very respectable to manipulate audio and hype up praises. Islam does not lend support to involving instruments into praises because you can simply recite a poem or Quran vocally very beautifully. Unfortunately people don't stop there, they manipulate vocals digitally or hype them to make beats. I feel it is disrespectful, it goes from praises to personal enjoyment of people.

You can use classical music or other pure forms of music to mediate your state of mind. Quran does this excellently by the way.


Recitation is a form of singing as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HT2vWpuwWn0

 

[Rational_Mind]

Can i ask what kind of ''classical music'' you are referring to?

Just pure clean music that isn't going to lead you astray. I think that your conscious tells you yourself. I don't agree that all instruments are banned for listening and only 2 are allowed. Just because they didn't exist 1400 yrs ago does not equal to being banned for that reason.

I also think a lot of explanation that people give to show all instruments are forbidden except two are self contradictory. If someone is going to say all instruments are forbidden then they should not open up on two. Since the Hadith shows two instruments allowed then they should explain the philosophy behind judging which instruments are allowed and disallowed. Making an exception for only two types because of two occasions doesn't make any sense. I mean if those two occasions never happened then no instruments should be allowed. The exception should have a reason which would most likely open up other instruments under the same reasoning.

I think the confusion may be that most probably the kuffar e makah used to incorporate instruments into idol worship and this may be why it was highly disliked by the Holy Prophet (saw). Which explains why he felt it was okay on occasions where there was no hint of intent towards idol worship.

Other Muslims usually disagree with me on this but can never explain to me why they hold their view on banning all but two. They just say that they don't understand it either. Personally, I don't listen to classical instrumental music although I cannot see how it can be a problem.

 

[Gharib]

What about singing the 99 names of Allah to music?
Music can help to enter a meditative state of mind.

If music was permitted and there was any benefit from it, then the Qur'an would not have been recited plainly (without music).

Surely if anything deserves to have music associated with it because it is an enhancement then the recitation of the Qur'an would have been associated with music.

 

[Gharib]

Just pure clean music that isn't going to lead you astray. I think that your conscious tells you yourself. I don't agree that all instruments are banned for listening and only 2 are allowed. Just because they didn't exist 1400 yrs ago does not equal to being banned for that reason.

What kind of music is that which leads one astray?

Singing what contradicts Islamic teachings is something that could lead people astray or have them commit sins whether with music or without it.

But what type of music leads astray and what doesn't?

 

[Rational_Mind]

What kind of music is that which leads one astray?

Singing what contradicts Islamic teachings is something that could lead people astray or have them commit sins whether with music or without it.

But what type of music leads astray and what doesn't?

Just be aware of what atmosphere or lyrics are associated with it. For one example those passionate Indian love songs have driven enough people into fantasies...Then there is gangster rap...Then there is some styles of hippie music that promotes being a complete waste in society...

You know reciting the Quran is technically singing.
I mean I don't sing songs but I can't see you explaining to someone how singing a perfectly pure song will lead him astray.

 

[F0uad]

Just pure clean music that isn't going to lead you astray. I think that your conscious tells you yourself. I don't agree that all instruments are banned for listening and only 2 are allowed. Just because they didn't exist 1400 yrs ago does not equal to being banned for that reason.

I also think a lot of explanation that people give to show all instruments are forbidden except two are self contradictory. If someone is going to say all instruments are forbidden then they should not open up on two. Since the Hadith shows two instruments allowed then they should explain the philosophy behind judging which instruments are allowed and disallowed. Making an exception for only two types because of two occasions doesn't make any sense. I mean if those two occasions never happened then no instruments should be allowed. The exception should have a reason which would most likely open up other instruments under the same reasoning.

I think the confusion may be that most probably the kuffar e makah used to incorporate instruments into idol worship and this may be why it was highly disliked by the Holy Prophet (saw). Which explains why he felt it was okay on occasions where there was no hint of intent towards idol worship.

Other Muslims usually disagree with me on this but can never explain to me why they hold their view on banning all but two. They just say that they don't understand it either. Personally, I don't listen to classical instrumental music although I cannot see how it can be a problem.

What if the hadiths say that any music is forbidden...

And i would agree that ''singing'' is not forbidden at all at-least in a bad way.

 

[beenie]

Didn't the Prophet allow music/singing in the celebration of Eid?

Does this mean music is halaal... | Islamhelpline

 

[Rational_Mind]

Didn't the Prophet allow music/singing in the celebration of Eid?

Does this mean music is halaal... | Islamhelpline

There are other instances where instruments were allowed as well.

But was it children singing, the translation is not very clear?

BTW, is this a sunni website. This is more sensible than islamqa.net

Although they still want apostates killed and have many other things I highly disagree with.

 

[F0uad]

There are other instances where instruments were allowed as well.

But was it children singing, the translation is not very clear?

BTW, is this a sunni website. This is more sensible than islamqa.net

Although they still want apostates killed and have many other things I highly disagree with.

What have sunni's to do with the source or topic are you generalizing? You know the Majority of the Ummah is sunni right?

I am a '''Sunni'' if you want to label me as one but i rather call myself a Muslim.
The Idea of all music is forbidden is mostly used by Salfi's, Sunni's generally belief that Anasheed with classical instruments are allowed, i am not sure about the case but if i am not sure i rather not do it. But its not like that i tell people to stop listening to anasheed i rather tell them to listen to beautiful recitation.

 

[Rational_Mind]

What have sunni's to do with the source or topic are you generalizing? You know the Majority of the Ummah is sunni right?

I am a '''Sunni'' if you want to label me as one but i rather call myself a Muslim.
The Idea of all music is forbidden is mostly used by Salfi's, Sunni's generally belief that Anasheed with classical instruments are allowed, i am not sure about the case but if i am not sure i rather not do it. But its not like that i tell people to stop listening to anasheed i rather tell them to listen to beautiful recitation.

I was happy to see there are some more logical Sunni Muslims. I am well aware that majority of Muslims are Sunni. I am not sure whether it would be something to be proud of as I mean the majority of the Muslim Ummah is not in good spiritual health. And many Sunni scholars admit this. It is not just about quantity we need quality in large quantity to help save the world from larger divine punishment.

I was happy to see someone more logical scholars from Sunni Muslims but you were not happy with me seeing something positive. I am sorry.

Please explain why classical instruments are allowed but modern are not, is it simply because they existed 1400 yrs back? If so then there are many other things we can say are wrong without logical understanding. I can say that only those instruments that were made in those days through that process are allowed and you can't make new ones but if you have the 1400 yrs old ones then you can only use them. We need to use our mental faculties to understand. I don't play any instruments or anything but I don't support anyone not using intelligence to explain something that is forbidden.

 

[F0uad]

I was happy to see there are some more logical Sunni Muslims. I am well aware that majority of Muslims are Sunni. I am not sure whether it would be something to be proud of as I mean the majority of the Muslim Ummah is not in good spiritual health. And many Sunni scholars admit this. It is not just about quantity we need quality in large quantity to help save the world from larger divine punishment.

I was happy to see someone more logical scholars from Sunni Muslims but you were not happy with me seeing something positive. I am sorry.

Please explain why classical instruments are allowed but modern are not, is it simply because they existed 1400 yrs back? If so then there are many other things we can say are wrong without logical understanding. I can say that only those instruments that were made in those days through that process are allowed and you can't make new ones but if you have the 1400 yrs old ones then you can only use them. We need to use our mental faculties to understand. I don't play any instruments or anything but I don't support anyone not using intelligence to explain something that is forbidden.

O i didn't read your whole post not sure why i think i missed it sorry.

Anyway lets stay on the subject instead of going on a Sunni vs Shia vs Salfi vs Etc.. etc.. Like i said i don't belief we should label ourselves as individual groups i rather call myself a Muslim and i think because of these mistakes ''labels'' we have ''not'' united as a whole Muslim community ''Ummah'' may it be shia salfi or sunni. You asked for some intelligence arguments or at-least something reliable my question was what if the Authentic Hadiths them-self deny ''Music'' in general and not only certain instruments, can we assume or conclude then its forbidden?

Like i said before i am not certain on this case therefore it seems in my eyes to just forget music in general and i found myself facing some strong arguments because i used to even listen to ''Hip-Hop'' when i was very young and some classical music when i became older.

(If i am unclear say so i was typing this with my phone)

 

[Rational_Mind]

O i didn't read your whole post not sure why i think i missed it sorry.

Anyway lets stay on the subject instead of going on a Sunni vs Shia vs Salfi vs Etc.. etc.. Like i said i don't belief we should label ourselves as individual groups i rather call myself a Muslim and i think because of these mistakes ''labels'' we have ''not'' united as a whole Muslim community ''Ummah'' may it be shia salfi or sunni. You asked for some intelligence arguments or at-least something reliable my question was what if the Authentic Hadiths them-self deny ''Music'' in general and not only certain instruments, can we assume or conclude then its forbidden?

Like i said before i am not certain on this case therefore it seems in my eyes to just forget music in general and i found myself facing some strong arguments because i used to even listen to ''Hip-Hop'' when i was very young and some classical music when i became older.

(If i am unclear say so i was typing this with my phone)

I am only saying that intelligence needs to be used in understanding the Authentic Hadith and the Quran. When I read most of the arguments I notice that it is as if the person first decided to say all music is forbidden then started looking in the Hadith and Quran to show how it can appear such. We should look to answer the question not to find the answer we prefer. An unbiased answer should show this behaviour.

If you read the answer on many Islamic websites you will note that there justification is not on reasoning rather on the opinion of people who feel a certain verse is referring to music specially. It it was such then it would have been pretty easy to reasonably explain as the Quran has declared that the Holy Prophet (saw) taught us the Book and the Wisdom. If they are going to prove that point then they should support it with reason. On the contrary I find it supported by saying that such and such scholar holds this opinion. It is rather important to show us how the conclusion was drawn. When the Quran is used as a support to show an implicit meaning then they should explain the word in the verse and how it encompasses music and how music is against the Islamic ideology.

The Holy Quran has repeatedly said that we have been given the book and the wisdom. They key thing to note is that Islam and all prior Religions from Allah (swt) include wisdom behind its teachings that it cares to explain. Other scriptures of the past lost the wisdom in future generations. So if someone gives me something without explaining it is hard for me to follow. We can see today that many religions are losing followers full fold to atheism as people don't offer wisdom. Religions other then Islam also face trouble with offerring Wisdom on a law that has been self authored by man and questions the authenticity of the scripture.

If we study the Hadith in context and with understanding of those times then it would be clear. Even though words of a Hadith can appear to be very clear they do not always mean what me may think at face value. We have to be careful that the interpretation is first and foremost harmonic with the Holy Quran then with the Sunnah and then with other authentic Hadith that are supported by the Holy Quran.

All I am saying is that the Hadith should be understood thoroughly as they are often limited in place of a specific time and incident which may or may not apply to us today. The Holy Quran is for all time till the day of judgement, no doubt about that. The Hadith & Sunnah are in place to help understand the application of the Holy Quran in a certain time period so we can learn to apply it in the world today.

 

[A-ManESL]

Listening to music is permissible, and in fact desirable, if listening increases a person's devotion to God; and it is not permissible if it has the opposite effect. Once the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was asked about odes and poetry and he replied, "They are merely words. As such, they can be either good or bad."

The Sufi saint Ali Hujwiri said, ""Once when I was in Merv, one of the leading traditionalists said to me, 'I have written a book to demonstrate that listening to music is permissible.' I replied, 'A great difficulty has appeared in the faith. A noted leader has legitimized that frivolity which is the root of all wickedness.' 'If you don't consider it lawful,' he retorted, 'then why do you practice it?' I declared: 'Any instruction concerning it must depend on the circumstances. No blanket statement can be made about it. If listening to music produces a laudable effect in one's heart, then it is lawful. If its effects are unlawful, so too is it. Likewise, if the effects of listening are permissible, so is the listening.'"

Likewise for dancing, Imam Ghazali has cited three reasons for dancing. He said, "The command about dancing refers to what moves a person to dance. if something praiseworthy stimulates a person to dance, and the dancing helps him grow, and strengthens him, then the dancing is also praiseworthy. If something despicable stimulates him to dance, then the dance also is despicable. But if it is something permissible that inspires him, then the dance also is permissible." He also declared: "It became customary for a group of companions to dance for joy when anything wonderful happened."