Muslim scholars divide the listening arts into three: music, song, and Qur'anic recitation. The first, music, distinguishes every nation, people, and civilization; the second deals with the addition of human voice to music; and the third deals with recitation of the Holy Qur'an. The Qur'an is not supposed to be read in a straightforward manner, like any other book, and has special rules governing recitation (tajweed). The Prophet (PBUH) encouraged Muslims to recite the Quran with a nice rhythm. The Prophet (PBUH) has also pointed out that the good voice is a blessing from Allah.
The issue of listening to types of art is resolved in Islam. Therefore, songs and music are mere reflections of Islamic civilization. However, the dispute between scholars is that some believe that listening to music is in direct correlation with the disregard of matters of greater importance, such as: recitation of the Qur'an, the remembrance of Allah and managing important affairs of worldly life. It is from this angle that some scholars prohibited listening or practicing the art of music. There are, of course, examples from the Qur'an that encourage beautification of the voice. In Surat Al-Muzammil (73:1-4), Allah (SW) says, " O thou folded in garments, stand (the prayer) by night but not all night, half of it- a little more or less; and recite the Qur'an in slow, measured rhythmic tones."
The Qur'an is a model itself for the listening arts and is an example for other arts to follow suit. Sahrouri, one of the scholars, believes that true listening is that of the Qur'an. He commented on the verse in Surat Al-Ma'idah (5:83), "And when they listen to the revelation received by the messenger, thou wilt see their eyes overflowing with tears, for they recognize the truth! They pray, 'Our Lord, we believe; write us down among the witnesses.'" This is the type of listening that promotes worship and makes humanity deeply think of the Creator and creation.
The Characteristics of Islamic Arts
All arts that perform a positive role are accepted and promoted in Islam. As Ibn Al-Qaisaruni says, "We can't have a clear-cut decision on the listening issue, but anything beneficial to Muslims is allowed." The characteristics of Muslims' songs are similar to those in other nations:
Part of daily life: It expresses the daily activities of craftsmen, workers, and social occasions. The Prophet (PBUH) encouraged Muslims to express their happiness in weddings by singing. In fact, different occasions have different types of songs (feasts, holidays, Ramadan, etc). The listening arts continue to play an important role in the life of the Islamic nation.
Structure: Oriental Music is a complex set of components, highly connected with each other and representing man's perception of the universe, which is totally different from that of the western man. Islamic philosophers believe that music promotes love of Allah, harmony, virtue and prayer.
Worship: Islamic arts promote and call for the worship of Allah (SW), encouraging continuity and consistency in this call.
The Fiqh of Listening
In order to understand music, we have to understand the principles of Islam as well as the changing aspects of the Ummah. These issues can be addressed through the following points:
If we want to talk about the views of Islamic Fiqh on listening, we will find that there are differences between scholars in accordance with their homeland, or regions. For instance, the scholars of Iraq prohibit people from listening to songs and music because they are known traditionally for their toughness. However, the people of Hijaz are city dwellers. Historically, they did not prohibit it, but enjoyed it. During Pre-Islamic Arabia, music was not advanced nor did it have a role to play in the life of the community. However, music became an important issue as Islam flourished throughout the earth. During the Abbasid and Fatimid eras, music reached its peak. With the decline of Muslim civilization, music also deteriorated.
We can classify the listening arts in the shape of a pyramid. On the top is listening to Quran. Quranic recitation shaped the patterns of music and also reflected itself in the patterns of music that spread all over.
Scholars differed in the issue of permissibility or not of listening to music. Al-Ghazali pointed out that listening to music is a human action, which can be judged by the objective. By knowing the objective, we then understand whether it is lawful or not.
Shawkani pointed out that entertainment and listening to music is unlawful. However, he pointed out that drums are allowed.
Ibn Al-Qaisaruni maintains that listening can't be judged as lawful or not by pointing out that listening to drums is from the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH). He states that drums were used as an instrument to entertain people during wedding parties. He did not mention any narration that states the prohibition of listening to music.
To conclude, there is no text in the Quran or the Sunnah of the Prophet that was found that prohibits listening to songs and certain instruments, like drums. The Prophet (PBUH) and his companions listened to drums and songs at wedding parties. One major principle of Islamic law is that things are lawful unless mentioned otherwise. Anything harmful to one's religion, mind, body, money or honor is prohibited, and anything prohibited is harmful. So any person that believes that singing and listening to music might lead to unlawful acts, it is unlawful for him to listen.
