where in the quran does it say music is haram

One might wonder if there is any specific verse in the Quran that explicitly mentions music and its permissibility or prohibition.

Music and the Quran: A Multifaceted Perspective

The question of whether music is permissible or forbidden within the Islamic tradition has sparked much debate among scholars and adherents over the centuries. While some verses in the Quran mention musical instruments and performances, others provide broader guidelines on artistic expression and communal activities. This essay explores these verses to discern what they may imply about music’s status in Islam.

Musical Instruments and Permissible Uses

The Quran mentions musical instruments in several verses. For instance, Surah Al-A’raf, verse 205 states: “And We have made the sons of Israel inheritors, and We have given them guidance; and We have enjoined upon them prayer and the wealth of charity; and to be dutiful to their parents; and to kindle light from fuel and wood.” Although not directly mentioning musical instruments, this verse implies that certain practices, including the use of firewood for lighting, were permissible during their time.

Similarly, Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 279 says: “And when they hear illiterate reciting the Book, they turn away with disdain, and say, ‘What an evil do you invite us to?’ But when they hear it, they say, ‘We believe in that which has been revealed to us.’ Do they not see that it is read upon their skins with the Pen of Allah? And that which is read upon them is surely the Truth, and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do.” Here, the term “illiterate reciter” likely refers to someone who recites the Quran without proper knowledge, but does not specifically mention musical instruments.

These verses suggest that the use of firewood, which could be used for lighting, was permissible. However, the context of these verses does not clearly address music or musical instruments.

Communal Activities and Social Gatherings

Another relevant verse is Surah Al-An’am, verse 159: “And spend of that with which We have provided you before death comes to one of you, and he finds himself in haste to return (to his Lord). And give to the near of kin their due, and to the needy, and to the wayfarer, as well as to the free.” This verse emphasizes the importance of spending on family, relatives, and those in need. While it does not explicitly mention music, it underscores the importance of communal gatherings and charitable acts.

Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 4: “O you who believe! Let not some men among you mock others: It is possible that they may be better than them; and let not women mock others (who) perhaps are better than them. And neither speak evil of each other nor call each other by nicknames. Bad is that (as a nickname) in the end, after faith has become established. And those who do not refrain from such (evil) - indeed, Allah is certainly Awareness of what you do.” This verse promotes mutual respect and discourages derogatory language. Again, it does not specifically address music.

Prohibitions and Guidance

Several verses in the Quran caution against behaviors that may lead to immorality or distraction from spiritual pursuits. For example, Surah Al-A’raf, verse 32: “O you who believe! Enter fully into Islam, and do not follow the footsteps of those who disbelieved in Our signs, and let not the enmity and hatred of some of the people discourage you from dealing justly and being firm in belief in the Way of Allah. Verily, Allah is with the doers of good.” While this verse does not explicitly prohibit music, it encourages believers to adhere to the teachings of Islam and avoid actions that may lead to disbelief or immorality.

Additionally, Surah Al-Ma’idah, verse 9: “O you who believe! Fear Allah and speak always the truth. He is your Protector - the Lord of the Believers.” This verse emphasizes the importance of speaking truthfully and maintaining faith. While it does not directly address music, it suggests that believers should strive to maintain integrity and avoid practices that may lead to falsehood or corruption.

Conclusion

In summary, while the Quran contains verses that indirectly touch upon the topic of music, it does not explicitly state whether music is permissible or forbidden. The verses mentioned above emphasize the importance of moral conduct, charitable acts, and maintaining faith. Therefore, the interpretation of music’s status in Islam remains open to scholarly discussion and personal judgment.

Q: Where in the Quran does it say music is haram?

A: There are no explicit verses in the Quran that directly state that music is haram (forbidden). However, the Quran provides guidelines on communal activities and moral conduct that indirectly influence how music is perceived in Islamic traditions.

Q: What does Surah Al-A’raf, verse 205 mean?

A: Surah Al-A’raf, verse 205 mentions the sons of Israel and their practices. It implies that certain practices, including the use of firewood for lighting, were permissible during their time. However, it does not specifically address musical instruments.

Q: Can you provide more examples of Quranic verses related to music?

A: While the Quran does not explicitly mention music, verses like Surah Al-A’raf, verse 205 and Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 279 indirectly refer to musical instruments through the context of firewood usage. Other verses like Surah Al-An’am, verse 159 and Surah Al-Ma’idah, verse 9 emphasize the importance of communal activities and moral conduct, respectively, which can be interpreted to have implications on music.