The issue of music in Islam is a complex one, with varying interpretations of hadiths.
- There will be among my Ummah (nation) people who will regard adultery, silk, alcohol and musical instruments as permissible…” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Interpretation: This Hadith suggests some people might disregard the prohibition of music.
- “The Prophet (ﷺ) forbade the playing of the Mizmar (a bagpipe) on the Day of ‘Eid.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Interpretation: This Hadith could be understood as a specific prohibition on a particular instrument during celebrations.
- “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, ‘The bell is the musical instrument of the Shaitan.'” (Sunan an-Nasai)
Interpretation: This Hadith could be seen as a warning against instruments associated with negative influences.
- “Singing sprouts hypocrisy in the heart as rain sprouts plants.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Interpretation: This Hadith might suggest excessive attachment to music can be detrimental to faith.
- “Leave them. O Bani Arfida! (carry on), you are safe (protected).” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Interpretation: Here, the Prophet (PBUH) allows music during a celebration (though some argue the context is unclear).
6. “Narrated Aisha: Abu Bakr came to my house while two small Ansari girls were singing beside me the stories of the Ansar concerning the Day of Buath. And they were not singers.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Interpretation: This Hadith might suggest simple singing without instruments is permissible.
- “Make your voices low in remembrance of Allah (Dhikr) and avoid loud recitation, for it is disturbing to the jinn.” (Musnad Ahmad)
Interpretation: The authenticity of this Hadith is debated, and it doesn’t necessarily refer to music specifically.
- “Narrated Abu ‘Amir al-Sha’bani: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘There is no harm in the Duff (a small hand drum) on the occasion of an Eid (festival) or a wedding.'” (Sunan Abu Dawud)
Interpretation: This Hadith mentions allowance for a specific instrument in certain situations, but details are unclear.
- “Narrated ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, ‘While I was sleeping, I saw myself circumambulating the Ka’ba. Then two men came and seized me and took me to a valley. Therein I saw a man sitting upon a chair of fire.'” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Interpretation: This Hadith describes a dream vision and doesn’t directly address music.
10. Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) passed by a group of people who were listening to a flute-player. He put his fingers in his ears and walked on quickly…” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Interpretation: The reason for the Prophet’s (PBUH) action here is unclear and needs further explanation.