The Islamic Ruling on Music and Singing - Enjoy Islam

depravity. Singing by women is restricted to a female audience as the nature of a woman's (singing)
voice is to excite sexual feeling in the male listener. Generally speaking, these songs should be pure
and innocent although they need not be restricted to <strong>Islamic</strong> themes. <strong>The</strong>y may express simple joys,
wisdom, etc. <strong>The</strong>y may be in praise of such attributes as courage, fearlessness and strength; or the
lyrics may commemorate historical incidents such as battles against the enemy, etc. Among the best
songs are those which encourage piety through good deeds done for the sake of Allah.
RELATED ISSUES PRODEEDING FROM THE GENERAL RULING OF PROHIBITION
DANCING:
Dancing to musical instruments is prohibited since that which is coupled with a prohibited thing
becomes forbidden. As for dancing without music, or to the accompaniment of the daff only, such is
restricted solely to women and children and is not befitting the role of males. <strong>The</strong> accomplished
muhaddith and jurisprudent, Izzuddeen bun Abdis-Salaam, (*259) says in reference to men dancing,
"As for dancing and handclapping in a light and frivolous manner resembling the frivolity of females,
none would do it except the light-headed or affected ignoramus. <strong>The</strong> proof of his ignorance is that
such a thing is not mentioned in texts of the shari'ah, the Quraan or sunnah; nor did any of the
prophets of disciples do it. Rather, it is done by ignorant fools who have mistaken mere fancies for
real truths. (*260) Scholars have prohibited clapping for men due to the Prophet's saying, 'Clapping is
for women.'" (*262) At another place Izzuddeen bin Abdis-Salaam says, "Dancing is a bid'ah
[blameworthy innovation]; none partakes of it except the foolish [who are short of sense], and it is bot
befitting except for women." (*263)
It must be pointed out that even dancing by women has its conditions. No music other than that
provided by the daff and the human voice is allowed. Women must be properly clothes (*264) and are
restricted to the company of women and children only. Even in the presence of women, the female is
prohibited from dancing licentiously (*265) and from using sexually arousing lyrics or manners.
Hence, women's dancing should be a simple, natural rhythmic swaying free from very form of obvious
or covert vice.
PROFESSIONS CONNECTED WITH MUSIC AND ITS ADJUNCTS:
It follows from what has preceded that the profession of music, singing, dancing and instrument
making and selling are all forbidden. (*266) In an <strong>Islamic</strong> state such instruments may be seized (*267)
from their owner and destroyed with recourse to indemnity.
THE MUSLIM'S DUTY REGARDING IT:
It is the duty of a Muslim that he avoid listening to music and singing in so far as it is within his
power and jurisdiction (e.g. in his home, office, car, etc.). As for what he hears from his neighbor's
yard, or when he passes through the streets or markets, that is not a sin upon him, (*268) nor is it his
responsibility to try to stop it unless he has the power and authority to do so. He may advise such
unfortunates in a gentle, admonishing tome, using wisdom and good convincing arguments so that
perchance they may see the light and fear Allah.
In certain circumstances a person may be forced to hear music without the will or desire to do so, in