The Toxic Grip of Music

Bismillaahir Rah’maanir Rah’eem. All praise to Allah. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved unlettered Prophet, his family, and his noble companions. I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan, and I begin in the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

1.1  Music Nurtures Hypocrisy

But among the people, there are those who purchase idle tales without knowledge, seeking to mislead others from the path of Allah and to turn it into a mockery. Quran 31:6

Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas’ud, Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar, Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullah, and Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them all), these great individuals have stated that the above verse was revealed in regard to the blasphemy of the disbelievers. There is a phrase mentioned, “lahwa alhadeeth,” and concerning this, these esteemed personalities have explained that it refers to songs and music. Our beloved Prophet ﷺ stated that he was sent to this world to eradicate musical instruments. He also mentioned that music nurtures hypocrisy in the hearts of people, just as water nurtures the growth of crops.

When a doctor informs us that a specific food can cause a certain disease, regardless of whether the doctor is a Hindu or a Christian, we trust their expertise and immediately abstain from consuming that food. We don’t even question the relationship between that food and the disease, as we have complete trust in the doctor’s skill. We may have been addicted to that food for forty years, but we give it up in an instant. We believe the words of a Christian doctor, and when our child is addicted to that food, we consider it our duty to protect the child from it. We explain to the child with love and care that consuming that food will lead to illness, and even if the child cries and screams, the mother refuses to give in to their demands.

1.2  Trust the Words of the Prophet ﷺ

And here is the Prophet ﷺ, the leader of all creation, whose truthful words carry the knowledge of Allah ﷻ and whose statements are backed by the divine revelation. He clearly states that hypocrisy is fostered through music, and yet some ignorant Muslims question how that could be possible. They trust the expertise of Hindu, Jewish, or Christian doctors, but despite identifying themselves as Muslims, they hesitate to trust the words of the Prophet ﷺ. Even though they profess to be Muslims, they ask, “How is this possible? Why is music harmful?”

When a doctor advises against consuming certain foods due to the risk of disease, parents take immediate action and prevent their children from consuming those foods. They consider it a good and responsible decision. However, in today’s world, when a child cries or becomes agitated, they are often pacified by playing music. It is a strange sight indeed! Instead of addressing the child’s distress in a more wholesome and beneficial way, they resort to music to calm them. Is this an act of kindness or enmity? On one hand, when a child is advised by a Christian doctor to avoid certain foods due to health concerns, parents consider it an act of goodwill and ensure the child doesn’t consume those foods. However, on the other hand, when it comes to calming the child, they provide them with musical instruments or enroll them in schools where music is encouraged.

Is this well-wishing or enmity? Either he does not wish good for the child, or he does not trust the words of the Prophet ﷺ. Either of the two possibilities should be correct. If he genuinely wishes good for the child and places trust in the Prophet ﷺ, then undoubtedly, he will keep his child away from these instruments and maintain a clean household, free from this corruption. If not, then he lacks trust in the words of the Prophet ﷺ regarding the creation of nifaaq through music. If he truly trusts the Prophet ﷺ and genuinely cares for the child’s well-being, then the presence of music in his house would be contradictory. It would indicate a lack of concern for the child’s spiritual development and adherence to the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ.

1.3  The Two Sounds Most Hateful to Allah, the Exalted

The Prophet of Allah ﷺ stated that two things are particularly detestable to Allah ﷻ:  1) Music accompanied by singing, and 2) Excessive wailing and lamentation during times of calamity. Throughout life, individuals experience both moments of joy and moments of sorrow. However, it is unfortunate that some Muslims engage in music and celebration during times of happiness, while resorting to moaning, screaming, crying, and excessive lamentation during times of grief. The Prophet ﷺ made it clear that both sounds are greatly disliked by Allah ﷻ.

If there is an epidemic of cholera and it is announced that the disease is spread through a specific fruit, what would one say to a small vendor who continues to sell that fruit? One might exclaim, “Oh heartless one, what are you doing? Why have you become an enemy of humanity? Why are you risking the lives of people by selling this fruit? The plague is being spread through this fruit, and yet you persist in selling it!” Such would be the reaction and admonishment in such a situation. If, by mistake, a child obtains the fruit in the house, one would be shocked and immediately take action to prevent the child from consuming it. It is crucial to explain to the child the dangers associated with the fruit and the fact that it is believed to spread the plague. In such a situation, there is a great deal of trust and concern for the well-being of others, and it is essential to educate and warn everyone involved, including the seller, the buyer, and those who may be less knowledgeable about the situation.

Nowadays, the vehicle my child travels in is filled with the sound of music. The van he goes to school in and the one he comes back in both play music. Whether he goes to school or attends a wedding, music is constantly present. It seems that this sinful practice has become so widespread that many no longer consider it to be a sin. However, it’s important to remember that the Prophet ﷺ referred to it as the nourishment for nifaaq (hypocrisy). This serves as a reminder of its detrimental effects on our spiritual well-being.

1.4  Music Leads to Double Facedness

As this nourishment is readily available everywhere, it has led to the emergence of hypocrisy, where a person’s outward appearance is different from their true inner state. This contradiction between their appearance and reality is known as hypocrisy. The constant exposure to this nourishment of music has caused individuals to become two-faced, presenting themselves differently from who they truly are. One wonders how a person who used to pray, fast, and engage in various acts of worship can do such a thing! This is due to the presence of hypocrisy, as the presence of music playing in his house clashes with his ears every day.

Our beloved Prophet ﷺ once mentioned that the faces of certain individuals from his ummah will be disfigured to the extent that they will resemble monkeys and pigs when they wake up in the morning. Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) asked, “O Prophet of Allah ﷺ, won’t they be Muslims?” The Prophet ﷺ replied, “Yes, they will have declared the shahaadah, bearing witness that they believe in Allah ﷻ and His Messenger ﷺ, and they will even fast.” It was then asked, “Why will this happen to them?” The Prophet ﷺ responded, “They will engage in playing music and consuming alcohol during the night, and as a consequence, their faces will become disfigured in the morning.” Thus, music serves as the nourishment for nifaaq (hypocrisy) and it is prevalent in every aspect of life.

1.5  Run Away from Music

Abdullah bin Nafi (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that while he was accompanying Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), they heard a musical instrument. Immediately, Abdullah bin Umar placed his fingers in his ears and moved away, asking Nafi, “Can you still hear it?” Nafi replied, “No.” Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) then informed him that he had witnessed a similar situation while accompanying the Prophet ﷺ. When they heard music, the Prophet ﷺ also placed his fingers in his ears to prevent the music from entering.

1.6  Don’t Let Calamities Rain on You

The inner self of a person becomes tainted with this music, leading to hypocrisy, which is why his outward appearance differs from his inner state that is accustomed to the influence of Satan. He is unable to rid himself of this filth as it has become ingrained in his habits. Unfortunately, this filth has now permeated every aspect of society. Our beloved Prophet ﷺ prophesied that when music becomes prevalent and widespread, reaching from house to house, trials and tribulations will afflict people incessantly, resembling the falling of beads when a string is cut. One calamity will cease only for another to begin. When the echoes of one calamity have yet to fade, another one swiftly follows.

The Prophet ﷺ spoke the truth. He prophesied that a time would come when the public treasury would be misused for personal gain, trust would be betrayed, people would perceive zakat as a burden and tax, religious knowledge would be sought for worldly benefits, wives would be obeyed while mothers would be neglected, friends would be considered well-wishers while fathers would be hated, voices would be raised within the masajid, and music would become prevalent in every place. Music has become pervasive in our lives, from the driving room to vehicles and even airplanes. It is heard everywhere, despite the fact that our beloved Prophet ﷺ described it as the most detested sound to Allah ﷻ and warned about its potential to lead to hypocrisy (nifaaq) in a person.

Hazrat Fuzayl bin Ayaz (RA) used to say that songs and music are the charm of zina (adultery, fornication), as they ignite sexual desires and gradually corrupt a person’s purity, putting their chastity at risk. This is the charm of zina, associated with songs and music. So, music will become widespread, alcohol will be consumed, people will adorn themselves with silk, the most wicked and filthy individuals will become their leaders, and people will honor them merely to protect themselves from their harm, while having no respect for them in their hearts. Those of lower status will speak ill of those in higher positions, women will imitate men, and men will desire to be like women. The Prophet ﷺ further stated that calamities will then befall people rapidly, akin to beads falling off when a string is broken. Today, the voice of calamities is heard from every direction, with one calamity following another. Adversity has engulfed the entire society.

Two sins have become deeply entrenched in our society, and we seek refuge from them: 1) The widespread abandonment of prayer (benamaazi), which is a glaring and open sin, and 2) The prevalence of obscenity (behayaa’i) in every aspect of life. These sins have rendered the entire environment disastrous. The pervasive neglect of prayer and the open display of obscenity have brought about a state of calamity throughout our society.

1.7  The Society’s Degradation is Linked with Musical Instruments

O honorable ones! The Prophet ﷺ has said that music creates nifaaq, and Hazrat Fuzail bin Ayaz (RA) has described it as the mantar of zina. It is our duty to protect our children from this harmful influence and save them from falling into nifaaq. They are innocent and unaware of its dangers, but slowly they can become addicted to it. Once someone develops a habit and even if Allah ﷻ grants them the ability to repent, even a slight exposure to music can draw them back towards it. This is because it contains the influence of Satan. Even after years of abstinence, its allure remains strong. The presence of shaitaan’s influence is deeply embedded within it. That is why our beloved Prophet ﷺ declared it as the most detestable sound to Allah ﷻ.

Indeed, the presence of musical instruments in the hands of the youth signifies the degradation and downfall of a nation. On the other hand, the sign of honor and greatness for a nation is when its youth hold arrows and swords, symbolizing strength, and courage. These words of Iqbal highlight the stark contrast between the two scenarios. Unfortunately, in our society today, the youth find joy in dancing with guitars in their hands, and these instruments are wrongly regarded as objects of prestige. Fifty years ago, those involved in this art were considered to be of low social status. People would hesitate to propose marriage to their daughters for fear of association with these individuals. Their musical abilities were despised, but it is important to note that if they were to repent, anyone has the potential to become beloved to Allah ﷻ and even His ﷻ close friend. However, there was a general disdain for this art form at that time. However, in recent years, they have been showered with awards and honors, and they have been brought to the forefront of society, making them idols for the youth of our nation.

1.8  Protect The Children from The Filth of Music

Today, within educational institutions, a specific time is allocated for the teaching of this thing. How does it relate to education? Sadly, the individuals responsible for shaping the minds of our youth and the new generation are not our well-wishers but rather our enemies. This is a truly unfortunate reality. Those to whom our youth are entrusted and from whom our new generation seeks knowledge are, regrettably, not working for their well-being but rather serving as malevolent influences. They provide them with the nourishment of hypocrisy, leading to a stark contrast between their outward appearance and their inner reality. O honorable ones! It is of utmost importance that we protect our children from this filth. When music is heard in a house, it becomes a breeding ground for the devil’s camp, as Satan is particularly fond of this sound. It is greatly beloved to him. In such a house, no one can save it from adversity. Calamities prevail, and darkness becomes the predominant atmosphere.

May Allah ﷻ protect us and safeguard us repeatedly, and may He prevent our generation from falling into addiction and perishing in such a state. There are fortunate individuals who return to Allah ﷻ in prostration and while reciting the Quran. However, there are also unfortunate ones who may meet their end while indulging in music, such as hearing it while driving and getting involved in a fatal accident. A person passes away while being engrossed in that sound. This pervasive influence is present everywhere, even in the vehicles our children use to go to school, exposing them to it from the early morning. Unfortunately, there is a lack of awareness about the negative impact this has on our children and what they are internalizing. It is crucial to note that the state in which a person dies is how they will be resurrected.

1.9  We Will Die as We Live

Our beloved Prophet ﷺ stated that our death will occur in a manner consistent with how we live, and we will be resurrected in a similar state. Whatever actions we engage in at the time of death will be reflected in our resurrection. O honorable individuals! May Allah ﷻ purify the homes, businesses, and educational institutions of Muslims from this filth, as it carries great misfortune. Musical instruments such as the tabla, sarangi, musical compositions, and drums are detested by Allah ﷻ. The Prophet ﷺ explicitly expressed his mission to eliminate these musical instruments. It is disheartening to witness individuals who claim to be followers of the Prophet ﷺ but stand in opposition to his teachings. He ﷺ came to eliminate these instruments, yet now they are being embraced and even offered as dowry for his daughter. The very things he sought to abolish are now being adorned in his own household. Such audacity! One can only wonder how he will endure the consequences in the fire of Hell! Regrettably, the recognition of this grave sin has waned in our times. It is disheartening to witness individuals who may not be personally addicted to music, yet willingly participate in events where music is being played, unaware of the sinful nature of such actions.

1.10        Know the Demand of Eeman

As believers, it is incumbent upon us to take a stand against evil. If we lack the strength to actively stop it, we should at least speak out against it. And if we are unable to do even that, we should harbor a deep disdain for evil and refrain from associating ourselves with it. When faced with a fire, I personally try to extinguish it myself. If I am unable to do so, I seek the assistance of others. And if no one comes to help and the fire continues to spread, I gather my belongings and remove myself from harm’s way. When one loses sight of the gravity of this filth, they become complicit in its presence. For instance, when staying at a hotel where music is played, if one lacks the courage to kindly express their discomfort, they have the option to seek accommodations elsewhere, rather than remaining in an environment that nourishes their hypocrisy.

As the awareness of this sin has diminished, its prevalence has become widespread. Neither individuals cleanse their homes from this filth, nor do the elders take responsibility to put an end to it. It has become alarmingly common. O honorable individuals! The impact of the teachings of the Prophet of Allah ﷺ holds true to this day. If a knowledgeable person were to explain the consequences of certain actions, people would readily believe. However, when the Prophet of Allah ﷺ speaks, the level of trust in his words has weakened to the point where individuals question the connection between music and hypocrisy. The noble Companions of the Prophet (RadhiAllahu anhum) had such unwavering trust in the Prophet ﷺ and firm belief in his teachings that even if something seemed intellectually difficult to comprehend, they never dared to question him about the why and how of it.

When the Prophet ﷺ embarked on the miraculous journey of Isra and Miraj, traveling from Mecca to Bait-ul-Muqaddas and ascending to the heavens, traversing through Jannah and returning, Abu Jahl, known at that time as Abul Hakam, rushed to Abu Bakr Siddique (may Allah be pleased with him) with disbelief, thinking that Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) would abandon his association with the Prophet ﷺ. Abu Jahl was certain that Abu Bakr would find it incredulous that the Prophet ﷺ could travel such vast distances in a single night. Excitedly, Abu Jahl exclaimed, “Did you hear what your friend is saying?” Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) calmly inquired, “Who?” Abu Jahl replied, “The same Muhammad bin Abdullah, for he claims to have traveled to Bait-ul-Muqaddas, then to the heavens, journeyed through Jannah, and returned on the same night.” Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) responded with unshakable faith, stating that if these words were indeed uttered by Muhammad ﷺ, then they were the truth. There was no room for doubt or differing opinions. This unwavering belief is the essence of eeman (faith).

1.11        Recognize the Dangerous Environment of Our Children

O honorable ones! If our beloved Prophet ﷺ has stated that music nurtures hypocrisy, then his words are undoubtedly true. The inner essence (baatin) of a person becomes tainted. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that we safeguard our lives and the lives of our children from this harm. The reality is that the individuals our children interact with today do not make any claim or demonstrate any determination to nurture their connection with Allah ﷻ and His Messenger ﷺ. They do not assert that the children will become true servants of Allah ﷻ, and that their faith and understanding of Islam will flourish under their guidance.

Rather, if we allow our children to be raised in such an environment, in a few years they will start questioning the very existence of faith, disbelief, polytheism, and monotheism. Concepts like divine revelation, the greatness of Allah ﷻ, Prophethood, and the stature of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ will become insignificant to them. This is because the educational institutions they attend make no mention of these fundamental beliefs. On the contrary, efforts are made to eliminate any mention of these concepts. Consequently, the generation that emerges from these institutions and settles in other countries ends up marrying individuals from different faiths such as Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, and Qadiyanis.

The reverence for Islam diminishes and the distinction between polytheism and monotheism becomes blurred. Therefore, we should not allow the new generations to be exposed to such environments without restraint. In those surroundings, the conditions are deliberately made conducive for the growth of hypocrisy. The pervasive musical environment is carefully cultivated to desensitize their hearts to disbelief and apostasy. Every sin is being made easily tolerable, and music plays a significant role in desensitizing the heart and making it receptive to all kinds of wrongdoing. Today, nothing is presented without music in order to create a favorable environment in the heart, making it susceptible to accepting every sin. This gradual process of poisoning the heart has led to the acceptance of sins that would have made us uncomfortable twenty or thirty years ago. The constant exposure to music through television, accompanied by the presentation of inappropriate images, has contributed to the widespread tolerance of these behaviors.

Today, there is an alarming level of tolerance for absurdity and sinful behavior among Muslims. We are unaware of the impact this has on the upbringing of our children. The environment has become so conducive to sin that even the most outrageous acts are being accepted. It is imperative, dear honorable ones, that we cleanse our homes from such instruments and filth. We must strive to create an environment of purity and righteousness for ourselves and our future generations.

Our last hope is our beloved Prophet ﷺ, through whom we hope to receive the blessed water from Rawza-e-Kawthar and whose intercession will be accepted. However, it is disheartening to see some Muslims going against the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ, as he came to eradicate musical instruments, yet they are promoting and indulging in it. Instead of following his example, they decorate their houses with these instruments. This goes against the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ and diminishes our last hope. We hold onto the hope that our beloved Prophet ﷺ will intercede for us, and by aligning ourselves with his ﷺ teachings, we can attain salvation. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a strong aversion to this sin and to instill a deep disdain for it. By doing so, we can protect the new generation from falling into its trap and ensure their well-being.

1.12        Replace Music with Recitation of Quran

O honorable ones! Let us replace the sounds of music in our homes with the beautiful recitation of the Quran. Instead of becoming addicted to music, let us become addicted to the recitation of the Quran. In the past, it was a common practice among Muslims to recite the Quran during the tahajjud time. The mothers and daughters were so dedicated to reciting the Quran that in Madinah Munawwara, when men went to Masjid-un-Nabawi for tahajjud salah, they could hear the melodious recitation emanating from every single house, like the sweet buzzing of bees.

The recitation of the Quran echoed from every single house! The mothers, sisters, and daughters, everyone would engage in recitation. Imagine the joy and pride it would bring to the parents, as their children became a source of comfort and delight, reciting the words of Allah. The house would be filled with an abundance of divine light (noor), illuminating every corner. That is why our beloved Prophet ﷺ, with his truthful tongue, proclaimed that wherever the Quran is recited, angels gather in great numbers, and their multitude extends all the way to the heavens. Those who recite the Quran radiate a luminous light that reaches the celestial beings, just as the stars illuminate the inhabitants of the earth. Such is the brilliance of the houses where the Quran is recited, a radiance that reaches the abodes of the heavens.

1.13        The power of Quran

How blessed are those houses from which such recitation of the Quran emanates! Both men and women used to engage in reciting the Quran. The practice of reciting the Quran in seven parts, known as manzils, was common among Muslims. They would recite one manzil every day, completing the entire Quran within a week. Such was the devotion to recitation. The words of Allah ﷻ resounding within the homes and the recitation of Allah’s ﷻ words, SubhanAllah! May Allah ﷻ grant us the ability to become masters of Quranic recitation once again.

Just as nifaaq (hypocrisy) grows with music, eeman (faith) flourishes with Quran recitation. Hazrat Ikrima (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that a person who is consistent in reciting the Quran and reaches old age, Allah ﷻ keeps their mind sharp and sound. Therefore, let the Quran be recited even more in old age so that the light of their mind remains radiant, benefiting from the blessings of the Quran’s noor (light), and their heart is filled with strength and vitality. Regardless of their age, their memory and mind remain sharp. The Quran possesses its own inherent power.

O honorable ones! Let the voices of shayateen (devils) and Satanism not be heard in our houses. Instead, let the recitation of the Quran prevail. By eliminating these sinful instruments from our homes, half of our adversities and tensions will cease. Wherever such instruments are absent, the angels start descending, while the shayateen realize there is no more nourishment for them and retreat. The absence of these influences brings about a sense of mercy, affection, love, and peace within the household.

1.14        Adorn Your House with Radiance and Righteousness

When you visit the houses of Allah (masaajid), you will experience a unique sense of attachment. The level of devotion and righteousness present within a masjid determines the strength of this attachment. In the past, mothers, sisters, and daughters would create such an environment in their homes that upon entering, one would immediately feel a sense of peace. A person once approached the Prophet ﷺ and expressed their struggle in finding salvation due to the increasing trials and tribulations. The Prophet ﷺ advised them to control their tongue and let their home be their sanctuary. The house should be adorned with radiance and religiousness, so that upon stepping inside, one’s faith is safeguarded and strengthened.

Let us establish the practice of Quran recitation within our homes, where every day, all family members gather to read a religious book for ten minutes. This regular practice brings blessings and enhances the atmosphere of motivation for recitation, prayer, and righteousness in the house. Furthermore, in certain situations where it may be difficult for a husband to express certain matters to his wife, or vice versa, or when a father finds it challenging to communicate with his grown-up son, these books can serve as a means of explanation. Therefore, let us allocate ten minutes each day to read religious books such as Faza’il-e-A’maal, Faza’il-e-Zakaat, and other enlightening discourses that can aid in our personal reformation.

If we observe that our family is lacking in certain aspects, we should encourage and motivate them in those specific areas. O honorable ones! In the past, there existed a wonderful environment where visiting one’s maternal grandmother’s house would offer a righteous atmosphere, visiting one’s paternal grandmother’s house would provide a similar environment, being with friends would result in righteousness, and educational institutes had a good atmosphere as well. Goodness prevailed during that time. However, in all honesty, today it seems that evil has taken precedence. It is crucial for us to ensure that, wherever we have influence, the environment of our homes remains religious and righteous.

Let us make it a daily practice to engage in religious readings and allocate a few minutes each day to read from a religious book with sincerity and concern. Additionally, let us set aside time every week or every fortnight to connect with a reliable religious scholar and attentively listen to religious teachings along with our children and family members. Approach these sessions with the understanding that they are crucial for our spiritual well-being and the advancement of our faith and religion. If, despite these efforts, the environment in our homes doesn’t improve, it would be advisable to seek guidance from our spiritual mentors and elders on how to enhance the state of the household environment.

When we truly prioritize this and seek Allah’s assistance, our children and the overall environment in our homes will become a source of comfort and joy for our eyes. Neglecting this aspect can jeopardize even our own religiousness, especially if influenced by family members. Therefore, it requires effort to establish a conducive environment where everyone is committed to the progression of their faith and religion. Let us remember the supplication of the righteous slaves, “Our Lord! grant us in our mates and offspring the joy of our eyes.” O honorable ones, creating a righteous environment in our homes is of utmost importance. Let us strive to keep our lives and houses free from musical instruments and instruments of sin, so that the angels of Allah’s mercy descend, and a righteous atmosphere is established. May Allah help us all to act upon what we learnt. Ameen.

-Sheikh Maulana Abdus Sattar (DB)