Religion and Music - Research Paper Example

Religion and Theology Whether music is allowed in Islam and to what extent and what sort is a significant issue which has been addressed by many scholars. With the passage of time, music has spread so much is widely and easily available because of which it is badly affecting everyone. People face numerous situations where they are compelled to listen to music whether by choice or without it. Even in our Muslim state no matter where we go we are required to listen to music. Restaurants, department stores, homes, cars there is no place where music isn’t played. With the availability of cell phones, I pods and so many electronic gadgets like these have eased the access to listening to music. It is imperative for us to know that what our religion teaches us about music and to what extent it permits us to listen to it. For this we need to refer to the Quran, Hadith and sayings of the Rightly Guided Caliphs and Prophet’s companions. According to these sources, music has been termed as ‘haraam’ in our religion. Interpreters of the Holy Quran have identified the term “lahwal hadith’ as listening and singing songs, buying singers and buying instruments for amusement. Sayyidana Abdullah Ibne Mas`ood, a close companion of the Holy Prophet was inquired the meaning of the phrase “lahwal hadith’ and he answered, “I swear by Him besides whom there is no other God, that it refers to ghinaa (singing).” It is believed that he repeated this statement thrice and his views have been seconded by the Four Caliphs, the prominent Sahaba and other reliable personalities in Islam. Music is forbidden and also regarded as a major sin in our religion. Playing of musical instruments is also a major sin hence it is haraam to play the guitar, piano, drums etc. Imam Ali ibne Musa Reza says, “And to be engrossed in musical instruments is also one of the great sins.” (Bhimji) A verse from Surah Luqman in the Holy Quran is often offered as a proof of prohibition of music, ‘And there are among men those who purchase idle talk in order to mislead others from Allah's path without knowledge, and who throw ridicule upon it. For such there will be a humiliating punishment.” The word “idle talk’ here refers to the word ‘lahwal hadith’ which has been discussed earlier. This word has been interpreted in two more ways but they refer to shirk (polytheism) and diverting people from Allah’s worship which takes us to the same idea of engaging in prohibited activities. (al-Kanadi) However there are contradicting views that can be found among people and some misinterpret that music is permitted in our religion. The Quran says, “And verily, We did favor some of the prophets over others, and to Dawood We gave the Psalms”. This verse of the Quran is not a proof for those who consider music being legal. Psalm (Zaboor) was the Holy Scripture that was given to Hazrat Dawood by Allah and it contained teachings of wisdom and talked about Allah’s greatness. Nowhere in the holy book is it mentioned that music or musical instruments are allowed. The truth is that Prophet Dawood was blessed with a melodious voice which was intensely beautiful and captivating that when he recited the Zaboor men, birds, animals and jinn gathered around him to listen to his recitation. This in by no means indicate that Zaboor was reveled with musical instruments or talked about music.(al-Kanadi) Some people believe that another verse from the Holy Quran relating to Prophet Ayyub permits music and dancing. Allah the All Mighty, commands Prophet Muhammad in Holy Quran, "And recall Our servant, Ayyub, when he cried unto his Lord, 'Verily, Satan has afflicted me with distress and suffering.' It was said unto him, 'Strike the ground with your foot; here is a spring for a cool bath and water to drink”. Many Sufis have taken the phrase ‘Strike the ground with your foot’ as an act for allowing music and dancing however the tafseer of the Holy Quran relates that this was an act that Prophet Ayyub had to carry out so that the spring of water is produced which was to miraculously cure and heal the Prophet of Allah.(al-Kanadi) The general consensus about music and musical instrument by both the sects in Islam is the same. Both have addresses music and musical instruments to be prohibited. According to Hazrat Ali, “Angels do not even enter a house that has wine, drum, tambourine or a flute. Even the prayers of the inhabitants of this house are unacceptable. They are deprived of barakat. The Holy Prophet has also said, “Whoever listens to the entertainment (song and music), lead will be melted inside his ear on the day of judgement.” Moreover he also said “Singing and music are enchantment for adultery.” This means that music, singing and dancing are a stepping stone or a path that lead to adultery and other vices. The Sufi school of thought however regards music as permissible. A Sufi scholar Imam Al Ghazali wrote a treatise on music in his famous transcript “Alchemy of Happiness”. Critics however criticize the book “Alchemy of Happiness”. (Hussain) The only instrument that the Muslims are allowed to play is the Duff. It is a version of the drum but it is covered from one side. They are allowed to play in on joyous occasions such as weddings, festivals, arrival of guests, etc. The Holy Prophet was also welcomed by the residents of Medina with the playing of the duff. However some scholars believe that only women are permitted to play the duff while some consider that it is authorized for the men and women both. (Hussain) Through divine command music is not allowed in our religion and Muslims are asked not to indulge in music, musical instruments, dance and singing. In this era Muslims are intensely spoiled as they listen to music widely. I think that it is vital that one should aim to purify their belief and think about correcting themselves. References: al-Kanadi, Abu Bilaal Mustafa. The Islamic Ruling on Music and Singing. . Bhimji, Salim. The Status of Music in Islam. . Hussain, Abid. An Islamic perspective on the Performing Arts. 5 December 2005. . Read More