Islam and Music
Music has always been an area of contention within Islamic beliefs and traditions.
The Muslim opposition to music is a complex one. It is important to trace this debate
to the very beginning. The main reason for its opposition in history was instigated by
the complete rejection of anything associated with the ‘days of ignorance’ before the
Prophet Muhammad re-established monotheism during the medieval period. It must
be noted that there is no word of prohibition against music within the Qur’an. Some
would attribute these prohibitions to the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad whereas
some would say that this prohibition came later during the rule of the Caliphs who
were not happy about the attention being given to music and musicians.
Prophetic traditions prohibiting music and singing are numerous, “Satan was the first
who wailed and the first who sang”, “No one lifts up his voice in singing but God
sends to him two devils to his shoulders, beating with their heels on his breast until
he refrains.” “Music and singing cause hypocrisy to grow in the heart as water
makes corn grow.” However, prophetic traditions in favour of music are also
numerous, “God has not sent a prophet except with a beautiful voice.” The prophet
Muhammad did not prohibit singing during business trips to nearby cities. On
another occasion the prophet Muhammad was walking past the house of a
companion and heard the voice of a girl singing. This companion asked him if it was
sinful to sing and the prophet immediately stated, “certainly not”. On a more
humorous occasion the prophet Muhammad visited another companion where there
were girls singing. They said, “And with us is a prophet who knows what will be
tomorrow”. The prophet Muhammad stated, “leave this issue and continue your
singing.” The prophet also said to his wife Aisha, “Teach your children poetry which
will sweeten their tongue.” The prophet Muhammad encouraged the use of musical
instruments during the wedding ceremonies. It must be highlighted that the main
legal schools of Islam are all opposed to music.
Although there is a difference of opinion on music and poetry it is important to note
that Muslims are encouraged to recite the Qur’an melodiously and also the call to
prayer (A’zan) is also recited melodiously.
It would be untrue to say that music is not a part of Islamic culture in the
contemporary world. It would take a whole book with a number of volumes to
explore the types of musical interests that have emerged from within Islamic nation
states today. The Arab world has its distinctive style of music, which is prevalent
even in states which promote themselves as strict adherents to Islamic Law. All
Islamic/Muslim countries have their own music cultures that adopt a variety of styles
from other cultures/countries.
However, devout Muslims will distance themselves from this by stating that music
withdraws one away from the remembrance of God. Some Muslims have found
ways around this by writing and singing songs which they deem Islamic. These can
be anything from verses of the Qur’an, praises to the prophets of Islam or mystical/
Sufi singing. Muslims who favour music argue that music and poetry are a creative
experience, which may lead Muslims to God rather than distance them from God.
The mystics throughout the world use music and chanting to such an extent of
spiritual frenzy that they feel nothing else takes draws closer to God. It would be
cause for concern where a Muslim gets so enmeshed in music and poetry that they
forget about the value of God and it is this fear which has lead Muslim legal scholars
to prohibit it completely and attach negative statements to its use.
The words of some famous Muslim mystics conclude the tension between Islam and
music rather beautifully. Dhul Nun, a medieval Egyptian mystic who lived around
859AD sums up this tension by stating; “Listening is a divine influence which stirs the
heart to see God; those who listen to it spiritually attain to God, and those who listen
to it sensually fall into heresy”. Al-Shibli, another mystic, states, “Listening to music
is outwardly a temptation and inwardly an admonition.” Abu’l Husain al-Darraj
proudly stated, “Listening causes me to find the existence of the truth beside the
hidden.”
Amanullah De Sondy
Centre for the Study of Islam
Department of Theology and Religious Studies
University of Glasgow