Is Music Halal or Haram in Islam?
The permissibility of music is one of the most discussed topics among Islamic scholars. Unlike the prohibition of alcohol or pork — which is stated directly in the Quran — the ruling on music is derived primarily from hadith and scholarly interpretation (ijtihad). As a result, there is genuine disagreement between qualified scholars, and Muslims hold a range of positions on this issue.
This article presents the main scholarly views, the evidence each side relies on, and the areas where there is agreement — so that readers can understand the debate and seek guidance from scholars they trust.
The View That Music Is Haram
The majority of classical scholars from the Hanafi, Shafi'i, Hanbali, and some Maliki scholars held that musical instruments are prohibited. Their primary evidence includes:
Hadith
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "There will be people from my ummah who will seek to make lawful: fornication, the wearing of silk [by men], wine, and musical instruments (ma'azif)." This hadith is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari. Scholars who prohibit music argue that this hadith groups musical instruments alongside things that are clearly haram (fornication, wine), indicating that they share the same ruling.
Quran — Surah Luqman (31:6)
Allah says: "And of the people is he who buys lahw al-hadith (idle talk/amusement of speech) to mislead [others] from the way of Allah without knowledge." Several companions — including Ibn Mas'ud, Ibn Abbas, and Jabir (may Allah be pleased with them) — interpreted "lahw al-hadith" to include singing and music, as reported in various tafsir works. However, the verse does not mention music explicitly, and not all scholars agreed with this interpretation.
Among the scholars who held this view: Imam Abu Hanifah, Imam al-Shafi'i (in one of his well-known positions), Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Ibn Taymiyyah, and Ibn al-Qayyim. They generally prohibited musical instruments while allowing the duff (a hand drum without jingles) in specific celebrations.
The View That Music Is Permissible
A number of scholars — both classical and contemporary — have argued that music is permissible or at least not categorically haram. Their reasoning includes:
The hadith of the two girls
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that during a festival day, two young girls were singing and playing the duff in her home. Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) entered and rebuked them, saying "Musical instruments of Satan in the house of the Messenger of Allah?" The Prophet (peace be upon him) responded: "Leave them, O Abu Bakr. Every people have a festival, and this is our festival." (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim) Scholars who permit music cite this as evidence that the Prophet allowed singing and percussion in appropriate contexts.
No explicit Quranic prohibition
There is no verse in the Quran that explicitly names music or musical instruments as haram. The verse in Surah Luqman (31:6) about "lahw al-hadith" is interpreted differently by different scholars — some understand it as referring to idle speech that distracts from the remembrance of Allah, not specifically to music.
Scholarly precedent
Among the scholars who considered music permissible (with conditions): Ibn Hazm (the Zahiri scholar) argued extensively that no authentic hadith categorically prohibits music. Al-Ghazali discussed music in his Ihya Ulum al-Din and concluded that music itself is not haram but becomes haram when combined with other prohibited elements (alcohol, indecency). The Maliki scholar al-Qurtubi noted that scholars differed on this issue.
Where Scholars Agree
Despite the disagreement on instruments, there are several points where virtually all scholars agree:
The duff (hand drum) is permitted
The duff — a frame drum without jingles or snares — is permitted for celebrations such as weddings and Eid. Multiple authentic hadith support this, including the narration from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) in Sahih al-Bukhari.
Nasheeds (vocal Islamic songs) are permitted
Singing without instruments — particularly songs with Islamic, educational, or morally uplifting content — is permitted by nearly all scholars. The Prophet (peace be upon him) heard and approved of poetry and singing on multiple occasions.
Lyrics matter
Even scholars who permit music agree that songs with indecent, immoral, or blasphemous lyrics are haram — regardless of whether instruments are used. The content of what is sung is judged separately from the question of instruments.
Music that leads to haram is haram
If music is used in contexts that involve alcohol, drugs, indecency, or distraction from obligatory worship, it is prohibited — even by scholars who otherwise allow instruments. The surrounding context and the listener's behaviour matter.
Excess is discouraged
All scholars agree that excessive consumption of entertainment — including music — at the expense of prayer, Quran recitation, and religious obligations is blameworthy. Moderation is a consistent Islamic principle.
Practical Guidance
Given the scholarly disagreement, Muslims should:
- Recognise that this is a legitimate area of scholarly difference (ikhtilaf). Qualified scholars hold different views based on their reading of the same sources. Labelling those who disagree as sinful or ignorant is not appropriate.
- Follow a position based on knowledge, not convenience. If you follow a scholar or school of thought, apply their ruling consistently rather than picking whichever view suits each situation.
- Avoid music with haram content regardless of which scholarly view you follow. Lyrics promoting indecency, violence, drugs, or disrespect are prohibited by all scholars.
- Do not let entertainment — whether music, social media, or any other form — displace prayer, Quran, and the remembrance of Allah from your daily routine.
- If in doubt, the hadith principle applies: "Whoever avoids the doubtful matters has safeguarded his religion and his honour." (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is music haram in Islam?
Scholars disagree on this. The majority of classical scholars prohibited musical instruments based on hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari and the interpretations of certain Quranic verses. Other scholars — including Ibn Hazm and al-Ghazali — argued that music itself is not haram but becomes haram when associated with other prohibited elements. The duff (hand drum) is permitted by consensus for celebrations.
Is listening to music a sin?
This depends on the scholarly view you follow. Scholars who consider musical instruments haram would say yes. Scholars who consider music permissible would say no — as long as the lyrics are clean and the listening does not lead to neglecting religious duties. All scholars agree that music with indecent lyrics is sinful.
Are nasheeds halal?
Yes. Vocal nasheeds (Islamic songs) without musical instruments are permitted by virtually all scholars. Nasheeds with the duff are also widely accepted. Nasheeds that use other instruments fall under the general scholarly disagreement about music.
Is the duff (drum) allowed in Islam?
Yes. The duff — a simple frame drum — is permitted by scholarly consensus, particularly for weddings and Eid celebrations. This is based on multiple authentic hadith, including narrations in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (peace be upon him) approved of its use.
What did the Prophet say about music?
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "There will be people from my ummah who will seek to make lawful... musical instruments." (Sahih al-Bukhari) He also allowed two girls to sing and play the duff on a festival day (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim). Scholars interpret these narrations differently, which is why they reach different conclusions.
Is singing halal in Islam?
Singing without instruments is generally permitted, provided the lyrics are clean and morally acceptable. The Prophet (peace be upon him) heard companions sing on multiple occasions without objection. Songs with indecent or immoral content are haram regardless of whether instruments are used.
Can I listen to music during Ramadan?
Scholars who consider music haram would say it should be avoided at all times, and especially during Ramadan. Scholars who permit music would still recommend focusing on Quran, prayer, and worship during Ramadan, using the month to increase devotion rather than entertainment. All scholars agree that Ramadan should be a time of heightened spiritual focus.
Is it haram to play musical instruments?
The majority of classical scholars prohibited playing instruments other than the duff, based on the hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari. Some scholars permitted it with conditions (clean content, does not distract from worship). This remains an area of genuine scholarly disagreement among qualified authorities.