Music and Islam

There is quite a lot of debate in the Muslim world today about the permissibility of music and singing in Islam. Given the rise of pop music in the last several decades, almost to the status of a religion among teenagers, you can well imagine the conversation in most Muslim homes at night. (“Why can’t I go to that concert, Mom?”) The reason that music is a concern at all in Islam has to do with its effects on people. When a person is caught up in a song, he or she is oblivious to most everything else. Songs also teach, and the lessons may not be the most proper ones to learn. The Prophet Muhammad (sallallahoAlaiheWasallam) forbade public dancing and the solo performances of women singers. He also declared certain types of instruments off-limits, such as flutes and stringed pieces, equating them with having the ability to make people forget Allah and to get lost in the passions of the flesh. He predicted that in the end-times female singers would be popular, and people would be more into music than religion. The problem with female singers is that some male listeners might begin to lust after them. This creates disharmony in the home as men begin to compare their wives with the flashy singer, and their eyes may start to wander. Women can become influenced to emulate the singer as well, and soon you have a maddening circle of adultery and promiscuity that is out of control. Few people would deny that certain singers become raunchier (and less clothed) year after year. The music business sometimes seems to border on being a purveyor of sex and pornography. Islam tries to nip it all in the bud.
Drums and other percussion instruments are allowed, and group singers, especially children, are encouraged. Traveling songs, poetry, celebration music, and the like are all allowed. The basic rule is that music should not be suggestive, immoral, or lewd. If it meets a wholesome standard, as defined in Islamic morality, then sing as much as you like!