Is music haram in Islam?

Most classical scholars prohibited musical instruments, with exceptions such as the daff; a minority permitted them. Wholesome singing without instruments is widely allowed.

The majority of classical scholars, including the four Sunni schools, held that musical instruments are prohibited, with exceptions such as the daff (a frame drum) at weddings and celebrations. A minority, most notably Ibn Hazm, permitted them. Singing without instruments, with wholesome words, is widely considered permissible.

The main evidence

The central text is a hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari: "From among my followers there will be some people who will consider illegal sexual intercourse, the wearing of silk, the drinking of alcoholic drinks and the use of musical instruments (ma'azif) as lawful" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5590). Most hadith scholars, including Ibn al-Salah and Ibn Hajar, held this report to be authentic and connected. Ibn Hazm argued that its chain was broken, and on that basis did not treat it as a prohibition.

On the other side, the Prophet allowed singing on the day of Eid when Abu Bakr objected to it: "O Abu Bakr! There is an Eid for every nation and this is our Eid" (Sahih al-Bukhari 952). Scholars on both sides read this as permission for celebratory singing and the daff, not as a general permission for instruments.

Where the positions agree

• Lyrics that promote what is forbidden, such as obscenity, intoxication or mockery of religion, are not allowed, with or without instruments.
• Anything that keeps a person from prayer and obligations is blameworthy, whatever its form.
• Nasheeds and unaccompanied recitation with good content are permitted on all the main views.

Because this is a matter of genuine scholarly difference, Muslims generally follow the position of the school or scholars they trust, and should not treat those who follow the other view as outside the faith.