Listening to music or watching movies

Q. Does Islam permit a Muslim to listen to music or watch movies?

A. According to the eminent Sahaabah (Radiyallahu anhum), such as Hadhrat 'Abdullah Bin Mas'ud (Radiyallahu anhuma), Hadhrat 'Abdullah Bin 'Abbaas (Radiyallahu anhuma), Hadhrat 'Abdullah Bin 'Umar (Radiyallahu anhuma), and Hadhrat Jaabir Bin 'Abdullah (Radiyallahu anhuma), the term Lahwal Hadeeth mentioned in verse 6 of Surah Luqmaan refers to song and music. Moreover, they hold the view that this verse condemns songs accompanied by music.

Furthermore, it is precisely such songs (accompanied by music) that are deemed Haram in Islam, thereby establishing the prohibition of music itself. The reason given in this verse for the prohibition is id-laal, which means to go astray or deviate from the path of Allah Ta'ala. It should be noted that anything that leads Insaan (man) away from the path of Allah Ta'ala is Haraam.

Without a shadow of a doubt, listening to music, as well as music itself—without even considering its other evils—causes deviation from the straight path.

Similarly, television and video share the same deviant characteristics as music, and are thus prohibited in Islam. The famous Mufassir, Imam Tabari (Rahimahullah), stated that songs were unanimously declared Haraam by the Ulama. In verse 64 of Surah 17, Allah Ta'ala refers to music as the "satanic voice."

Music, television, and video all have one thing in common with Dajjaal —id-laal. They significantly contribute to diverting us away from the straight path. Those who indulge in these activities are aligning themselves with Dajjaal’s movement. From an Islamic perspective, such individuals cannot be trusted.

Any activity that promotes music, television, or video is considered reprehensible. Those involved in these activities should perform Taubah (repentance). Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said:

"Refrain from music and song because they help hypocrisy grow in your heart just as water helps plants grow."

Several distinguished Sahaabah (Radiyallahu anhum) have conveyed similar reports. Some people try to justify their sins by claiming the educational value of television. These people are simply prisoners of their desires.

Undoubtedly, music, television, and video are tools of Dajjaal. We must distance ourselves from them at all costs. For more information, please refer to an article on this subject in this issue.

[English version of "‎Écouter de la musique ou regarder des films en Islaam" – Al Haadi – Vol. 1 No. 9]