Question : A question was asked regarding [the validity of] using musical instruments for educational purposes.

Fatwa in Brief: It is not permitted to play any instrument – such as those instruments normally used to entertain – that is not used to play Islamic psalms, or for the purposes of education.

The Permanent Committee, 12/184-6

Response:

Using musical instruments in education or for other purposes according to those who allow it­ is permissible with the condition that the lyrics of this music are compatible with the spirit of Islam, and do not contain obscenities.

Commentary:

The scholars differ regarding the validity of playing musical instruments and singing when it is accompanied with music. Some deem it permitted, while many others prohibit it. The majority considers such music illegal (haram); while a group of scholars reject all hadiths that deal with the subject of singing, claiming that none of them is sound (sahih), and/or that those of them that are sound do not provide clear evidence [of a prohibition]. Hence, for example, Ibn al-‘Arabi al-Maliki said that “none of the hadiths regarding [the prohibition against] singing is sound, as the people who report them (naqiliha) did not trust those mentioned in the hadith. Regarding the the kind of percussion instruments used traditionally in [Arab/Muslim] weddings – and specifically the daf and tabl – it is permitted to play these providing that the lyrics of the [wedding] songs remain compatible with the spirit of Islam and do not contain obscenities.

The permission to play the daff [an instrument resembling a tambourine/drum] at a wedding does not mean that it only is exclusively permitted; rather, he mentions the daff since it is the best-known of its genre. Indeed, any instrument may be used to announce the wedding. The permission to play a pipe (mizmar) at a wedding has already been demonstrated through the Prophetic hadith in which Abu Bakr protested against the playing of musical instruments at the house of the Prophet (upon him be peace). God’s Messenger replied: ‘O Abu Bakr, let them be [the pipe players]. This is a festival (‘id)”. What is not permitted, however, is for men and women to mix freely, and/or to listen to vulgarities. If musical instruments are used at occasions where people [are likely to] overstep the boundaries of good taste, these instruments should not be used in the first place.[1]

Ibn Hazm, in response to those who argue against playing musical instruments using the hadith attributed to Abu Malik al-Ash‘ari and included in Bukhari’s collection of hadith, in which the Prophet (upon him be peace) says: “From among my followers, there will be some people who consider illegal sexual intercourse, the wearing of silk, the drinking of alcoholic drinks and the use of musical instruments, as lawful” [2] judged this hadith, to contain a broken chain of narrator: a gap between al-Bukhari and the second narrator, Sadqa ibn Khalid.

According to Ibn Hazm, “nothing in this chapter [on music] is correct; rather everything here is invented”. [He continues to say] “I swear to God if all these hadiths, or even one, were transmitted by a trustworthy source, [and thus this ruling could be traced] back to the time of the Prophet (upon him be peace), I would not hesitate to follow it”.[3]

This is enough to show that the ruling regarding singing, when accompanied with music, is a matter that divides the scholars. And, as mentioned previously, if the scholars differ in their opinions, each Muslim is free to follow the opinion that best suits him/her. For, there is richness and space [of interpretation in Islam].

Ultimately, each listener must, on occasion, act as his/her own moral counselor. Thus, if s/he finds that a particular song, or genre of song, speaks directly to his/her animal, rather than spiritual, side, s/he should avoid listening to it. In so doing, s/he closes the door on conflict and dissension in his/her heart. Here [as always], religion is compatible with ethics. [A final point] All scholars agree that singing is illegal if it is accompanied by illegal acts, such as those that often happen in a drinking environment.

And God knows best.

Dr. Yassir ‘Abd al-‘Azim