The Islamic Ruling on Music and Singing
- The use of all musical instruments (*236) is forbidden.
The shari'ah has conveyed a number of other texts which categorize the various possible types of musical instruments and prohibit them. The categories of musical instruments are as follows: (a) wind instruments, (*239) (b) string instruments, (*240) (c) percussion instruments (*241) and (d) a combination of two or more of the above. (*242)
The first category is represented by the previously-mentioned narrations of Al-Bayhaqi and Al-Haakim, wherein the terms mizmaar (flute) and mazaameerush Shaytaan (Satan's wind instruments) are mentioned respectively. The second category is indicated by one of Ahmad bin Hanbal's narrations wherein the word qinneen (lute) (*243) appears. The third category is epitomized by another tradition collected by Ahmad in which bothe the terms koobah and tablah (i.e. drums) are recorded. (*244)
EXTRA:
- SILK: It is an established fact that wearing of silk clothing is generally prohibited for males. However, there are a few specific and limited exceptions to this ruling, among which is the permissibility of adding silk trim to the sleeves and hem of one's garment. The width of this band of silk trim is specified as a finger's length. (*249) Thus, one would not be allowed to increase this designated measure to say, two or three fingers' length.
SINGING: Singing without musical accompaniment is permitted under certain circumstances and with particular conditions. The lyrics of the songs must be pure and innocent, and must keep within the moral bounds set by Islamic teachings. Hence, lyrics which are erotic and licentious (*257) and/or sung in a licentious manner (*258) (which adversely affects the libidinous instincts of the listener) are undoubtedly forbidden. Moreover, even innocent songs become forbidden if they are performed in the presence of, or are coupled with, such prohibited acts as gambling, drinking and other deeds of moral depravity. Singing by women is restricted to a female audience as the nature of a woman's (singing) voice is to excite sexual feeling in the male listener.
DANCING: Dancing to musical instruments is prohibited since that which is coupled with a prohibited thing becomes forbidden. As for dancing without music, or to the accompaniment of the daff only, such is restricted solely to women and children and is not befitting the role of males. The accomplished muhaddith and jurisprudent, Izzuddeen bun Abdis-Salaam, (*259) says in reference to men dancing, "As for dancing and handclapping in a light and frivolous manner resembling the frivolity of females, none would do it except the light-headed or affected ignoramus.