Bismillaah

I came across this post, and once again my thoughts turned towards the topic of music. Before Islaam, music was an important part of my life. It was the hardest thing to let go of after my conversion but I somehow managed, walillaahil hamd. After I had my son, it became a trial for me again because of what others around me wanted him to watch and hear. I struggled with standing up to my in laws when they played their arabic music or when my mother in law wanted my son to watch shows that contained singing and dancing. I remember the first time I came across the opinion that music was allowed: I was shattered inside. My nafs al ‘amara immediately became a problem for me in this area. But I was stronger than that I thought and so I fought it with everything I had.

Then there was a time where I was convinced that musical instruments were allowed with conditions. I admit that I am still ignorant of the full argument for its allowance. But my heart doesn’t want to waiver the possibility that it is completely forbidden, without any doubts. For so long I told myself that the issue is at the least doubtful but my nafs al ‘amara got me. Now, because of the history of music in my life and the hardship it was to remove it, I think to myself that I don’t want my children going through this themselves. I don’t want them having to rid themselves of a love for music, that may possibly shield their hearts from the Qur’aan, and possibly push them towards some kind of evil that I even knew existed as a non-Muslimah. It’s not like we allow western music in our home, but we play anasheed that may contain more than the tambourine. We sometimes watch movies on our laptop, and we know that music is inevitable. I feel a bit stuck. I know that I can abstain from music. I can shut it out if I hear it in the background of a movie; however, children can not. I fear that if I am too strict with this, knowing that there is some small disagreement, that I may push my children to one day listen to music unrestrictedly.

Living in western societies has made it difficult for many Muslims to avoid music. Even in the Arab world, people are playing BSB’s, Shania Twain or their female whore-like singers. Ignorant, weak Muslims crave to be like the western world so much that they now have their music cd’s piled up in the first aisle of their stores, with the loud music playing in the background. So how do we avoid it? How do we teach our children to avoid it? How do we deal with the new anasheed phenomenon? Do we listen to Dawud, Yusuf? Or do we just stick to Mishary and Ahmed?

Last week I spoke to a sister who reminded me that Allaah is the one who guides. We were speaking about raising children, and all of the fears that come with having them. She reminded me that Prophet Lut, Prophet Nuh and our own Messenger Muhammad(`alayhim salam) had people (wife, son, uncle) who were misguided. We would expect that out of anyone, they would have the entirety of their families guided but that was not the case. So I struggle with myself and I ask myself many questions. Do I do my best and hope for the best? Or do I fail a little bit because of my own fears, hoping for the best but possibly still lose?

May Allaah aid us to what is better and safer for our Iman, aameen.

Here are a few fataawa on the issue of Music. Some explain the issue in depth and others offer more of simple advice.

Music and Singing: A Detailed Fatwa

Is spiritual music with instruments allowed?

Music at the Gym

Spiritual Music with Instruments

Music that sings about good things

What do I do about background noise?

Can I eat at a restaurant which plays music?