Islam and Music: Exploring Boundaries, Interpretations, and Practices
Islam, one of the world’s largest religions, offers a nuanced view on music, reflecting its rich intellectual and cultural history. While the Quran does not explicitly prohibit music, verses such as Surah Luqman (31:6) caution against “idle talk” that diverts from Allah’s path, which some scholars interpret as music. Hadiths provide further guidance, with some discouraging musical instruments and others emphasizing context and intention.
Historical Islamic cultures, like those of the Abbasid era and Andalusia, embraced music as an art form, refining instruments like the oud and qanun and exploring music theory. Schools of thought differ in their rulings: some, like the Hanafi school, allow music under specific conditions, while others, like the Hanbali school, strongly oppose it. Contemporary scholars also remain divided, balancing moral and spiritual concerns with cultural practices.
Nasheeds, vocal compositions that praise Allah (SWT), offer a halal alternative to conventional music, while Sufi traditions use music for spiritual connection. Ultimately, the permissibility of music in Islam depends on its content, context, and its effect on one’s faith, emphasizing the importance of aligning musical practices with Islamic values.