Place of Music in Islam
By S.
Arshad, New Age Islam
29 January
2024
Islam Prohibits
Vain Entertainment
Main
Points:
1. The Quran prohibits Lahw-al-Hadith
meaning vain entertainment.
2. Women of Madina greeted the holy
prophet with songs accompanied by duff.
3. Avicenna considered music useful in
treatment of maladies.
4. Abbasid caliphate promoted music
therapy.
5. Sufis considered serene music
permissible.
------
Recently, a
mufti of Kashmir in India issued a fatwa declaring a three member women musical
band un-Islamic. The fatwa sparked a controversy and a debate on whether music
was allowed in Islam and the basis of its permissibility or impermissibility
started.
We find
some instances where the holy prophet of Islam pbuh did not object to playing
music. The women of Madina had greeted the holy prophet pbuh with songs
accompanied by duff (a musical instrument). On the day of Eid, the holy prophet
pbuh watched along with Hadhrat Ayesha the Bedouins sing and play duff.
However,
the Quran uses a term Lahw-al- Hadith meaning vain entertainment.
"But
there are some who employ theatrics (Lahw-al-hadith) only to lead others away
from Allah 's way ---- without any knowledge -- and to make a mockery of it.
They will suffer a humiliating punishment. (Luqman:6)
The term
does not use the word music but the Islamic commentators and exegetes have
meant music by Lahw. Law -al-Hadith literally means play of words. On the basis
of this interpretation, the exegetes have concluded that the Quran completely
rejects music. But going by the hadiths and instances from the holy prophet's
life it can be inferred that music is not totally banned in Islam and that Lahw-al-hadith
does not cover all forms of music and entertainment.
The verse
in chapter Luqman can also be interpreted as disapproval of a means of
entertainment that leads people away from Allah's path and makes a mockery of
it. The music that is used for positive purposes does not come under vain
entertainment or Lahw-al-hadith according to this interpretation.
Music has
also been used for positive purposes since ancient times. In Egypt, China,
Greece and Rome, music was used for treatment of physical and mental maladies.
The great Muslim physician and scientist Avicenna (Abi Sina) considered music
useful in curing disease. During Abbasid caliphate in the 7th and 8th century,
music therapy was used in government hospitals called Bimaristan. During those
days, music was obligatory for every learned man. In fact, the Arabs developed
the art of music and Ibn Misjah of Umayyid era is called the father of 'Islamic
music', a term that appears paradoxical.
In the
modern era, music therapy has developed considerably. Since the Quran has only
disapproved of Lahw-al-hadith, it may be inferred that the Quran is not against
the therapeutic use of music and is only against immoral or vulgar use of
music.
The Sufis
have also used music in their assemblies of Samaa (Sufi music) though
not all orders of Sufism approve of the use of music in Samaa. But indeed,
some Sufi orders permit the restrained use of music in Samaa. Many
prominent Sufis also knew how to play musical instruments. Maulana Jalaluddin
Rumi was in favour of music and was deft in playing some musical instruments.
His spiritual guide (murshid) Shams Tabrezi also knew the use of musical
instruments. The great Urdu-Persian poet and disciple of Khwaja Nizamuddin Auliya,
Amir Khusrau, was also a great musician.
Music,
therefore, in itself is not good or bad in nature. It is good if used with good
intentions and bad if used for bad purposes. Music played in accompaniment of
vulgar dance under the spell of wine cannot be approved or music with vulgar
songs that lead one away from Allah's way or to make a mockery of ethical and
moral values can in no way be supported. Music that soothes the mind and
provides spiritual solace to the listeners may be permitted. Music played on
festivals or social events with considerations of moral and religious values
have been approved. Islam warns Muslims against vain entertainment (Lahw-Al-Hadith)
and Lahw-O-Layib (useless pastime). It warns Muslims against unbridled
vulgar or immoral activities of entertainment that give way to moral corruption
and waywardness among the people. Islam prescribes a moderate approach in every
matter of social significance including music.
-----
S. Arshad is a columnist with NewAgeIslam.com.
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-culture/quran-music-prophet-muslims/d/131609
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