بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
Let us begin with 2 ayahs from the Qur’an:
“And there are among men, those that purchase idle talk (i.e. music, singing), to mislead (men) from the path of Allah and throw ridicule. For such there will be a humiliating punishment” 31:6
“[Allaah said to Iblees:] And befool them gradually those whom you can among them with your voice (i.e. songs, music, and any other call for Allah’s disobedience)…” 17:64
Ibn Abbas (one of the earliest scholars in Islam) mentioned that these Ayahs referred to music. It is very clear in our religion and there is good reason for this. The first of which is the fact that modern music is filthy. If we merely look at the lyrics of over 90% of music nowadays it is filled with talks about zina, objectifying women, drug use and foul language towards others.
How was music introduced?
The music will subconsciously effect one’s persona. It stimulates certain emotions depending on the melody and lyrics which causes one to not have full control over one’s feelings – it clouds the mind. Just as we guard our eyes, tongues and limbs from haram, we must also guard our ears as they will also effect our spirituality.
An authentic hadith:
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, as lawful. [Bukhari]
We must take heed of this narration as it clearly mentions the prohibition of musical instruments alongside zina and alcohol which are major sins in Islam. We do not want to be in this category.
Remember, there is no space for both music and Qur’an in the heart, we must choose one or the other.
Allah knows best.