is it haram?

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is it haram?
dido

09/22/00 at 08:11:15

salamu alaykum...
i'm new here and alhamdilah the people who reply here have been very much helpful to me..i want to thank them very much...
these days everything i do is haram...i really don't know what to do about it...i want to clear a few things from my mind...here r my questions:
1-is shaking a non-muhram woman's hand haram?is'nt the hand shaking a sign for peace and resp[ect to one another? if it is then what can i do when she gives me her hand?
2-is listening to music hara? i listen to music but when there is athana i switch it off for atleast 30min. the music i listen to is also not bad and dirty languaged music...it relaxes me!
3-watching movies had been a very big issue to me? everytime i watch a movie ppl keep repeating to me that what i am doing is haram? i really dunno what to do???
4-once i slept with my mother, sister, father, brother and everyone kept on saying that it was haram? they are all my muhram, i would understand if it was my cousin or something but my own family memebr...that does not go into my head? allahu ya3lam...
for whoever replies to this i want to thank him/her or them a lot because this means a lot to me and my family...
than k you and amy god bless u and all the muslims in the world and may he guide the non-muslims to the right path...ameeen

Re: is it haram?
Saleema

09/22/00 at 14:26:03

Salam,

May Allah guide you to the right path and may He guide us all to the right path. Ameen.

Before I answer your question, please, explain something to me. What exactly do you mean you slept with your mother, father, sister,..?
Do you mean, in the same room?...

Please do reply quickly and clear up and inshallah then I will answer other questions. Prophet Muhammad (May peace be upon him) said to a man once on being asked that the best way to learn is by asking questions.

There is a beautiful Hadith where Allah says that anyone who takes a step towards Him, He will take 10 steps towards that person. It is good that you are asking, it shows that you care about Islam and being a good person. Not everyone has that desire to know and learn and to please their Lord, Allah. Like Allah says in the Quran that Truth stands clear from falsehood.

So nice to have you join us in this city. :)

Wassalam

Re: is it haram?
dido

09/22/00 at 23:18:28

salam alaykum wa rahmatul allah wa barakatuh...
thank you very much for your compliments...
my question menat that sometimes i sleep in the same bed as my mom otr sometimes with my father or sometimes with my sisters or soemtimes with my brother...people tell me that i can only sleep with my wife...but i really don't understand that...they are all my muhram...
thank you for your time..
dido

Re: is it haram?
Arsalan

09/23/00 at 01:02:23

Assalamu alaikum,

There is a very clear hadith of Rasulullah (pbuh) about this issue in which he orders all parents to separate the beds of their children after a certain age. If you really want me to, I can look up the exact hadith and the reference.

Re: is it haram?
Saleema

09/23/00 at 01:21:02

Assalamoalykum,
BismillahirRahmaanir Raheem

1-is shaking a non-muhram woman's hand haram?is'nt the hand shaking a sign for peace and resp[ect to one another? if it is then what can i do when she gives me her hand?

For today, I will only try to answer your first question.

Shaking a non-mahram's hand is haram. The sahaba's and Prophet Muhammad pbuh never shook a non-mahram's hand. They said salam to them without shaking the hands.

When the women used to swear to him (Prophet Muhammad SAW) on something, they used to take hold of the corner of his clothes. I heard this from my father and don't know the reference and I doubt that he will remember exactly where he read it either. But despite that, we know that we are not supposed to shake a non-mahram's hand.

When a non-mahram offers you her hand, you should say, "No offence, but I don't shake women's hands, it goes against the teachings of my religion." If it is a Muslims she should understand more than a non-Muslim girl.

Yes, shaking hands is considered a sign of peace but that doesn't mean not shaking the hands is a sign of hostility. When you say Assalamoalykum to someone, you are making a dua for them. If you did not like the person, you wouldn't talk to them in the first place and would not be kind in your manners to them. A person never makes a prayer for someone that they don't like. When you say Assalamoalykum, you are asking Allah to send Peace on that person, and the person in return makes the same prayer for you by saying, "Walaikumassalam." This *is* a sign of peace.

If it is a Muslim women, she should be impressed by your willingness to follow Allah's order and respect that and not take offense. Not only that, she should know that your not shaking her hand means that you are respecting her like Allah has told you to respect her. (Now tell me isn't our religion just beautiful?)

If it is a non-Muslim women, she should not mind either, seeing that it is in our religions. She should respect your decision if she is a nice person or if she is really your true friend. She may think it is weird at first, but maybe she will get used to it. If not, then that's ok too. Because we are supposed to care about what Allah thinks of us and not what people think about us. We should strive to please Allah and not people.

Non-Muslims usually understand though if you explain to them and don't mind.

Islam kills fitnah, or... I don't know... what's a good word...? lets just say, Islam kills 'bad things' at their roots. So by putting restrictions on hand shaking by the opposite genders who are non-mahram to each other emphasizes just how serious mixing with each other without proper Islamic etiquettes and having pre-marital relationships is.

Muslims would never think of hugging the opposite gender who are non-maharm to them, even those who do shake hands. Imagine what would happen if shaking hands was allowed. Some people think that 'oh shaking hands is not that bad, but we should *never* hug though.' If Muslims were allowed to shake hands then they would say that 'well, i know its not right to hug, but it's not that 'serious.' And the next thing you know is the person will move on to the next level of climbing up the haram ladder. So that's why Islam is always called such a "practical" way of life.

Let me give you an example from real life. This is about my non-Muslim friend. She knew this boy for a long time but only said hi to him and that was it. One day they bumped into each other at a restaurant and so they started talking and decided to have lunch together. After they finished eating, he walked her to her car out in the parking lot and said by to her and gave her a friendly hug. Well, next day at school she tells me excitedly that she thinks she might be in love. She said that she never noticed before but he was built a little. When he hugged her, she felt how strong his arms and chest were. And after a few weeks they were dating.

I think I will stop here, can't think of anything else. Hope the answer satisfied you.

Wassalam
Re: is it haram?
Saleema

09/23/00 at 22:33:41

Assalamoalykum,
BismillahirRhamanir Raheema.

2-is listening to music hara? i listen to music but when there is athana i switch it off for atleast 30min. the music i listen to is also not bad and dirty languaged music...it relaxes me!

There is a difference of opinion among the scholars regarding a few things in music, but there are certain areas in which there is no controversy whatsoever. There is no controversy over the chanting of the Quran, call to prayer, (Adhan), pilgrimage chants, (such as going to Hajj--- Labiak...), eulogy chants, chanted poetry with good themes, family and celebration music, and military band music. These are all considered as Halal by all the scholars.

There is no controversy over sensuous music, where the lyrics are dirty and immoral and/or it is sung in such a way as to arouse a person’s sensual side. Other criteria also should be considered, such as, the dancing that goes along with the songs and the type of clothes the singer is wearing. Is the singer’s dress proper? Is the dancing proper? (When you are sitting in front of a tv watching someone sing, etc).

The area of controversy is over vocal/wind instruments. Some scholars say it is ok, while others say it is not. There is also a controversy over music which has non-Islamic origins or is from pre-Islamic times. Scholars such as Ibn Hazm and Abubakar al’Arabi say , “No sound Hadith is available concerning the prohibition of singing.” Notice that it is not music itself that is haram but if it will lead you to haram things or ways then it becomes haram, a basic principle of Sharia. For example, is the subject matter of the song glorifying, or promoting non-Islamic concepts or teachings? Does the manner in which it is played disruptive to others? e.g. Volume.
If a person indulges in it so much that it causes him to miss his prayers or becomes an obstacle for him to seeking knowledge, then it becomes haram on him, because he is leaving something which is fard for entertainment. If it prevents him from doing even the smallest things, such as keeping a promise even if it is just for that day or hour, then listening to music becomes haram on him, because keeping a promise is a fard and listening to music is just for one’s entertainment. According to Hadith if the music is associated with haram activities, such as alcohol or drug consumption or mixed dancing between men and women, then listening to music or being at the place where such activities are taking place becomes haram on the person even if the song contents are in accordance with Islam and its teachings.

You should take the opinion that gives you piece of mind. What I mean is that some scholars say, as I have mentioned above, that vocal/wind instruments are haram while others say it is not. It’s up to you to choose between this, given that you follow the other criteria. If you feel comfortable with the opinion that it is ok to listen to music with vocal/wind instruments then you can listen to classical music which has no words in it if you want. Classical music is very relaxing also. I don’t know much about modern day classical music, but the ones that I have heard is not as good as the old music. And trust me, its not boring. Give it a try. Try someone other than Bach, Beethoven. I will give you the names of quite a few people who played classical music up until the early 20th century.

You should also listen to Quranic recitations from someone who has a nice voice and chant. People on this board will tell you more about that. You can also listen to halal music by Muslim groups. One person that I know of who has a band is Abdul Malik and people seem to like him a lot. You can also listen to nasheeds (in arabic, it’s the best), and that is pretty relaxing too even if you don’t understand arabic. The beats are not all slow, some beats are fast also.

I suggest that you pick up books by good writers and find out more on this topic and for any others that you might have questions on, so you will know for yourself what is haram and what is halal and don’t have to rely on others. It’s never too late to start learning. Get Sahi Bukahari and Sahi Muslim hadith collections also. I will give you a list of good books to read after I’m done attempting to answer your questions.

Wassalam

Re: is it haram?
bhaloo

09/23/00 at 22:57:28

slm

bsm

Regarding your first question about shaking hands with members of the opposite sex that are non-maharam, Sheikh Munajidd answered this:

Praise be to Allaah.

For a man to shake hands with a non-mahram woman (one to whom he is not related) is haraam and is not permitted at all. Among the evidence for this is the hadeeth of Ma’qal ibn Yassaar (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘If one of you were to be struck in the head with an iron needle, it would be better for him than if he were to touch a woman he is not allowed to.” (Reported by al-Tabaraani; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 5045).

There is no doubt that for a man to touch a non-mahram woman is one of the causes of fitnah (turmoil, temptation), provocation of desire and committing haraam deeds. No one should say that their intention is sound or their heart is clean, because the one who was the purest of heart and the most chaste of all, the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) never touched a non-mahram woman, even when accepting bay’ah (oath of allegiance) from women. He did not hold their hands when accepting their bay’ah, as he did with men; their bay’ah was by words only, as was reported by his wife ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her). She said that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) would test the believing women who emigrated to him with the aayah (interpretation of the meaning): “O Prophet! When believeing women come to you to give you the bay’ah (pledge), that they will not associate anything in worship with Allaah, that they will not steal, that they will not commit illegal sexual intercourse, that they will not kill their children, that they will not utter slander, intentionally forging falsehood (i.e., by making illegal children belong to their husbands), and that thye will not disobey you in any ma’ruf (Islamic monotheism and all that which Islam ordains), then accept their bay’ah and ask Allaah to forgive them. Verily Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [al-Mumtahinah 60:12] ‘Aa’ishah said: “So whoever of the believing women agreed to these conditions, the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) would say to her: ‘I have accepted your bay’ah by words.’ By Allaah, his hand never touched the hand of any woman when accepting their bay’ah; he accepted their bay’ah by saying ‘I have accepted your bay’ah on this basis.’”

(Reported by al-Bukhaari, 4512; according to another report: he accepted their bay’ah by words… the hand of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) never touched the hand of any woman except a woman he owned . Reported by al-Bukhaari, 6674).

Some Muslims feel too embarrassed to refuse when a woman offers her hand to them. In addition to mixing with women, some of them claim that they are forced to shake hands with fellow-students and teachers in schools and universities, or with colleagues in the workplace, or in business meetings and so on, but this is not an acceptable excuse. The Muslim should overcome his own feelings and the promptings of the Shaytaan, and be strong in his faith, because Allaah is not ashamed of the truth. The Muslim could apologize politely and explain that the reason he does not want to shake hands is not to offend or hurt anybody’s feelings, but it is because he is following the teachings of his religion. In most cases this will earn him respect from others. There is no harm done if they find it strange at first, and it may even be a practical opportunity for da’wah. And Allaah knows best.

Re: is it haram?
bhaloo

09/23/00 at 22:59:00

slm

bsm

Regarding music, Dr. Siddiqi (President of ISNA) said this:

Islam is not against happiness and pleasure. Good, clean, wholesome and healthy entertainment is not only allowed but also encouraged in Islam. Singing, chanting and reciting poetry are all acceptable in Islam as long as the songs or poems have good meanings and they do not make people forget their religious and social obligations. There is nothing wrong in listening to songs, but one must be very careful in selecting the songs. Do not listen to songs that praise sinful deeds or excite people to commit sin or to indulge in immoral behavior. Do not listen to the songs that turn you away from the path of Allah. Also do not get addicted to songs in such a way that you keep on listening to them day and night. Unfortunately there are a lot of songs now a days that lead to sin and shameful deeds and they are very addictive. It is for this reason many conscientious Muslims forbid listening to songs.

We cannot forbid all songs and poetry. Good songs and poetry have been in Islamic culture since the time of the Prophet -peace be upon him. The Prophet -peace be upon him- himself listened to good poetry and encouraged Hassan bin Thabit, who was known as "the Poet of the Prophet" to say the poetry in the praise of Allah and in the honor of His Religion and His Messenger. When a woman was married to an Ansari (a man of Madinah) the Prophet said to his wife 'Aishah, "Did they have any entertainment? The Ansar are fond of entertainment." (Al-Bukhari) Ibn 'Abbas -may Allah be pleased with him- reported that when 'Aishah gave one of her female relatives in marriage to a man from the Ansar, the Prophet -peace be upon him- asked her, "Did you send a singer along with her?" "No", said 'Aishah. The Prophet -peace be upon him-then said, "The Ansar are a people who love poetry. You should have sent along someone who would sing, 'Here we come, to you we come, greet us as we greet you.'" (The Prophet even gave the words of a local song.) On the day of Eid, two girls came to the Prophet's house and they along with his wife 'Aishah played hand drum and sang a song. When Abu Bakr -may Allah be pleased with him- wanted to stop them, the Prophet -peace be upon him- said, "Leave them, Abu Bakr. These are the days of Eid." (Bukhari and Muslim)

Concerning the music the opinions differ. There are some Muslim scholars who have the opinion that all music is haram in Islam. They say that the Qur'an has forbidden "laghw and lahw" (idle things and things that distract, see Al-Mu'minun 32:3; Luqman 31:6). They say that music is part of the laghw and lahw that Allah has forbidden. They also quote some Ahadith, which prohibit music, or claim that, the Prophet -peace be upon him- said that he came in order to destroy to instruments of music.

But there are some other scholars and jurists who do not agree that all music is necessarily laghw and lahw. They say that reading some books could be also idle and distracting thing, while some music is soothing and relaxing and it does not mislead the people from the path of Allah. Imam Ibn Hazm was of the opinion that all those Ahadith that say that music was forbidden and prohibited were fabricated (mawdu') and unacceptable. Imam Shawkani in his famous Nail al-Awtar (vol. 8 pp. 260-271) has mentioned that some Sahabah, the Companions of the Prophet, used to listen to music. He even wrote a book with the title, "Ibtal Da'wa Al-Ijma' 'ala Tahrim Mutlaq al-Sama'" (The Refutation of the Alleged Claim of Consensus on the Absolute Prohibition of Music and Songs).

While it is not right to say that all music is prohibited in Islam, it is important to use great discretion in the case of music. A lot of music that is available in the markets now a days is very dangerous and harmful. Muslim youth should be extremely careful. There are, however, some Muslim groups in different countries who are developing songs that are very good enjoyable, entertaining, and have good positive message.

Re: is it haram?
Saleema

09/24/00 at 01:55:36

Assalamoalykum,

So bhaloo, tell me something. Do I only have this problem or does most everybody? I knew all this buty could not quote the ahadith to back what I was saying and I can never remember names. And I can never find a particular hadith. Where do you get these articles? And I have noticed that many of the people on this board are able to quote ahadith and stuff from memory. how do u people do IT???????

Wassalam

Re: is it haram?
proudtobemuslim

09/24/00 at 04:34:24

Assalam-u-Alaikum,

Here is a lengthy article from the excellent Islam-qa.com. I recommend that you either disconnect before reading this or copy and paste it to a text editor for later reference.

Ruling on music, singing and dancing

Praise be to Allaah.

Ma’aazif is the plural of mi’zafah, and refers to musical instruments (Fath al-Baari, 10/55), instruments which are played (al-Majmoo’, 11/577).
Al-Qurtubi (may Allaah have mercy on him) narrated from al-Jawhari
(may Allaah have mercy on him) that ma’aazif means singing. In his
Sihaah it says that it means musical instruments. It was also said that
it refers to the sound of the instruments. In al-Hawaashi by
al-Dimyaati (may Allaah have mercy on him) it says: ma’aazif means
drums (dufoof, sing. daff) and other instruments which are struck or
beaten (Fath al-Baari, 10/55).

Evidence of prohibition in the Qur’aan and Sunnah:

Allaah says in Soorat Luqmaan (interpretation of the meaning):

“And of mankind is he who purchases idle talks (i.e. music, singing)
to mislead (men) from the path of Allaah…” [Luqmaan 31:6]

The scholar of the ummah, Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him)
said: this means singing. Mujaahid (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
this means playing the drum (tabl). (Tafseer al-Tabari, 21/40).

Al-Hasan al-Basri (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: this aayah was
revealed concerning singing and musical instruments (lit. woodwind
instruments). (Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 3/451).

Al-Sa’di (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: this includes all manner of
haraam speech, all idle talk and falsehood, and all nonsense that
encourages kufr and disobedience; the words of those who say things to
refute the truth and argue in support of falsehood to defeat the truth; and
backbiting, slander, lies, insults and curses; the singing and musical
instruments of the Shaytaan; and musical instruments which are of no
spiritual or worldly benefit. (Tafseer al-Sa’di, 6/150)

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: The interpretation of
the Sahaabah and Taabi’in, that ‘idle talk’ refers to singing, is sufficient.
This was reported with saheeh isnaads from Ibn ‘Abbaas and Ibn Mas’ood.
Abu’l-Sahbaa’ said: I asked Ibn Mas’ood about the aayah (interpretation of
the meaning), ‘“And of mankind is he who purchases idle talks’
[Luqmaan 31:6]. He said: By Allaah, besides Whom there is no other
god, this means singing – and he repeated it three times. It was also
reported with a saheeh isnaad from Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased
with them both) that this means singing. There is no contradiction
between the interpretation of “idle talk” as meaning singing and the
interpretation of it as meaning stories of the Persians and their kings,
and the kings of the Romans, and so on, such as al-Nadr ibn
al-Haarith used to tell to the people of Makkah to distract them from
the Qur’aan. Both of them are idle talk. Hence Ibn ‘Abbaas said: “Idle
talk” is falsehood and singing. Some of the Sahaabah said one and
some said the other, and some said both. Singing is worse and more
harmful than stories of kings, because it leads to zinaa and makes
hypocrisy grow (in the heart); it is the trap of the Shaytaan, and it
clouds the mind. The way in which it blocks people from the Qur’aan
is worse than the way in which other kinds of false talk block them,
because people are naturally inclined towards it and tend to want to
listen to it. The aayaat condemn replacing the Qur’aan with idle talk in
order to mislead (men) from the path of Allaah without knowledge
and taking it as a joke, because when an aayah of the Qur’aan is
recited to such a person, he turns his back as if he heard them not, as
if there were deafness in his ear. If he hears anything of it, he makes
fun of it. All of this happens only in the case of the people who are
most stubbornly kaafirs and if some of it happens to singers and those
who listen to them, they both have a share of this blame. (Ighaathat
al-Lahfaan, 1/258-259).

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“[Allaah said to Iblees:] And befool them gradually those whom you
can among them with your voice (i.e. songs, music, and any other call
for Allaah’s disobedience)…” [al-Israa’ 17:64]

It was narrated that Mujaahid (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “And
befool them gradually those whom you can among them with your
voice” – his voice [the voice of Iblees/Shaytaan] is singing and
falsehood. Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: This
idaafah [possessive or genitive construction, i.e., your voice] serves to
make the meaning specific, as with the phrases [translated as] “your
cavalry” and “your infantry” [later in the same aayah]. Everyone who
speaks in any way that is not obedient to Allaah, everyone who blows
into a flute or other woodwind instrument, or who plays any haraam
kind of drum, this is the voice of the Shaytaan. Everyone who walks
to commit some act of disobedience towards Allaah is part of his [the
Shaytaan’s] infantry, and anyone who rides to commit sin is part of
his cavalry. This is the view of the Salaf, as Ibn ‘Abi Haatim narrated
from Ibn ‘Abbaas: his infantry is everyone who walks to disobey
Allaah. (Ighaathat al-Lahfaan).

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Do you then wonder at this recitation (the Qur’aan)?

And you laugh at it and weep not,

Wasting your (precious) lifetime in pastime and amusements
(singing)”

[al-Najm 53:59-61]

‘Ikrimah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: it was narrated from Ibn
‘Abbaas that al-sumood [verbal noun from saamidoon, translated here as
“Wasting your (precious) lifetime in pastime and amusements
(singing)”] means “singing”, in the dialect of Himyar; it might be said
“Ismidi lanaa” [‘sing for us’ – from the same root as
saamidoon/sumood] meaning “ghaniy” [sing]. And he said (may
Allaah have mercy on him): When they [the kuffaar] heard the
Qur’aan, they would sing, then this aayah was revealed.

Ibn Katheer (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: Allaah says
(interpretation of the meaning) “Wasting your (precious) lifetime in
pastime and amusements (singing)” – Sufyaan al-Thawri said, narrating
from his father from Ibn ‘Abbaas: (this means) singing. This is Yemeni
(dialect): ismad lana means ghan lana [sing to us]. This was also the view
of ‘Ikrimah. (Tafseer Ibn Katheer).

It was reported from Abu Umaamah (may Allaah be pleased with him)
that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) said: “Do not sell singing slave women, do not buy them and do not
teach them. There is nothing good in this trade, and their price is haraam.
Concerning such things as this the aayah was revealed (interpretation of
the meaning): ‘And of mankind is he who purchases idle talks (i.e. music,
singing) to mislead (men) from the path of Allaah…’ [Luqmaan 31:6].”
(Hasan hadeeth)

The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
said:

“Among my ummah there will certainly be people who permit zinaa, silk,
alcohol and musical instruments…” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari ta’leeqan, no.
5590; narrated as mawsool by al-Tabaraani and al-Bayhaqi. See al-Silsilah
al-Saheehah by al-Albaani, 91).

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: This is a saheeh
hadeeth narrated by al-Bukhaari in his Saheeh, where he quoted it as
evidence and stated that it is mu’allaq and majzoom. He said: Chapter on
what was narrated concerning those who permit alcohol and call it by
another name.

This hadeeth indicates in two ways that musical instruments and
enjoyment of listening to music are haraam. The first is the fact that the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “[they]
permit” which clearly indicates that the things mentioned, including
musical instruments, are haraam according to sharee’ah, but those people
will permit them. The second is the fact that musical instruments are
mentioned alongside things which are definitely known to be haraam, i.e.,
zinaa and alcohol: if they (musical instruments) were not haraam, why
would they be mentioned alongside these things? (adapted from
al-Silsilah al-Saheehah by al-Albaani, 1/140-141)

Shaykh al-Islam (Ibn Taymiyah) (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: This
hadeeth indicates that ma’aazif are haraam, and ma’aazif means musical
instruments according to the scholars of (Arabic) language. This word
includes all such instruments. (al-Majmoo’, 11/535).

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: And concerning the
same topic similar comments were narrated from Sahl ibn Sa’d al-Saa’idi,
‘Imraan ibn Husayn, ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr, ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Abbaas, Abu
Hurayrah, Abu Umaamah al-Baahili, ‘Aa’ishah Umm al-Mu’mineen, ‘Ali
ibn Abi Taalib, Anas ibn Maalik, ‘Abd al-Rahmaan ibn Saabit and al-Ghaazi
ibn Rabee’ah. Then he mentioned it in Ighaathat al-Lahfaan, and it
indicates that they (musical instruments) are haraam.

It was narrated that Naafi’ (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: Ibn ‘Umar
heard a woodwind instrument, and he put his fingers in his ears and kept
away from that path. He said to me, O Naafi’, can you hear anything? I said,
No. So he took his fingers away from his ears and said: I was with the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and he heard
something like this, and he did the same thing. (Saheeh Abi Dawood). Some
insignificant person said that this hadeeth does not prove that musical
instruments are haraam, because if that were so, the Messenger of
Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) would have
instructed Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with them both) to put
his fingers in his ears as well, and Ibn ‘Umar would have instructed
Naafi’ to do likewise! The response to this is: He was not listening to
it, but he could hear it. There is a difference between listening and
hearing. Shaykh al-Islam (Ibn Taymiyah) (may Allaah have mercy on
him) said: Concerning (music) which a person does not intend to listen
to, there is no prohibition or blame, according to scholarly consensus.
Hence blame or praise is connected to listening, not to hearing. The
one who listens to the Qur’aan will be rewarded for it, whereas the
one who hears it without intending or wanting to will not be rewarded
for that, because actions are judged by intentions. The same applies to
musical instruments which are forbidden: if a person hears them
without intending to, that does not matter. (al-Majmoo’, 10/78).

Ibn Qudaamah al-Maqdisi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: the
listener is the one who intends to hear, which was not the case with Ibn
‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with them both); what happened in his case
was hearing. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
needed to know when the sound stopped because he had moved away from
that path and blocked his ears. So he did not want to go back to that path or
unblock his ears until the noise had stopped, so when he allowed Ibn ‘Umar
to continue hearing it, this was because of necessity. (al-Mughni, 10/173)

(Even though the hearing referred to in the comments of the two imaams
is makrooh, it was permitted because of necessity, as we will see below in
the comments of Imaam Maalik (may Allaah have mercy on him). And
Allaah knows best).

The views of the scholars (imaams) of Islam

Al-Qaasim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: Singing is part of
falsehood. Al-Hasan (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: if there is
music involved in a dinner invitation (waleemah), do not accept the
invitation (al-Jaami by al-Qayrawaani, p. 262-263).

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: The
view of the four Imaams is that all kinds of musical instruments are
haraam. It was reported in Saheeh al-Bukhaari and elsewhere that the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said that there
would be among his ummah those who would allow zinaa, silk, alcohol and
musical instruments, and he said that they would be transformed into
monkeys and pigs… None of the followers of the imaams mentioned any
dispute concerning the matter of music. (al-Majmoo’, 11/576).

Al-Albaani (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: The four madhhabs are
agreed that all musical instruments are haraam. (al-Saheehah, 1/145).

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: The madhhab of Abu
Haneefah is the strictest in this regard, and his comments are among the
harshest. His companions clearly stated that it is haraam to listen to all
musical instruments such as the flute and the drum, even tapping a stick.
They stated that it is a sin which implies that a person is a faasiq
(rebellious evil doer) whose testimony should be rejected. They went
further than that and said that listening to music is fisq (rebellion,
evildoing) and enjoying it is kufr (disbelief). This is their words. They
narrated in support of that a hadeeth which could not be attributed to the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). They said: he
should try not to hear it if he passes by it or it is in his vicinity. Abu
Yoosuf said, concerning a house from which could be heard the sound of
musical instruments: Go in without their permission, because forbidding
evil actions is obligatory, and if it were not allowed to enter without
permission, people could not have fulfilled the obligatory duty (of
enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil). (Ighaathat al-Lahfaan,
1/425).

Imaam Maalik (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked about playing
the drum or flute, if a person happens to hear the sound and enjoy it whilst
he is walking or sitting. He said: He should get up if he finds that he enjoys
it, unless he is sitting down for a need or is unable to get up. If he is on the
road, he should either go back or move on. (al-Jaami’ by al-Qayrawaani,
262). He (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “The only people who do things like
that, in our view, are faasiqs.” (Tafseer al-Qurtubi, 14/55).

Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: Among the types
of earnings which are haraam by scholarly consensus are ribaa, the fee of a
prostitute, anything forbidden, bribes, payment for wailing over the dead
and singing, payments to fortune-tellers and those who claim to know the
unseen and astrologers, payments for playing flutes, and all kinds of
gambling. (al-Kaafi).

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said, explaining the view
of Imaam al-Shaafa'i: His companions who know his madhhab (point of
view) stated that it is haraam and denounced those who said that he
permitted it. (Ighaathat al-Lahfaan, 1/425).

The author of Kifaayat al-Akhbaar, who was one of the Shaafa’is,
counted musical instruments such as flutes and others, as being munkar
(evil), and the one who is present (where they are being played) should
denounce them. (He cannot be excused by the fact that there are bad
scholars, because they are corrupting the sharee’ah, or evil faqeers –
meaning the Sufis, because they call themselves fuqaraa’ or faqeers –
because they are ignorant and follow anyone who makes noise; they are not
guided by the light of knowledge; rather they are blown about by every
wind. (Kifaayat al-Akhbaar, 2/128).

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: With regard to the
view of Imaam Ahmad, his son ‘Abd-Allaah said: I asked my father about
singing. He said: Singing makes hypocrisy grow in the heart; I do not like
it. Then he mentioned the words of Maalik: the evildoers (faasiqs) among
us do that. (Ighaathat al-Lahfaan).

Ibn Qudaamah, the researcher of the Hanbali madhhab – (may Allaah have
mercy on him) said: Musical instruments are of three types which are
haraam. These are the strings and all kinds of flute, and the lute, drum and
rabaab (stringed instrument) and so on. Whoever persists in listening to
them, his testimony should be rejected. (al-Mughni, 10/173). And he said
(may Allaah have mercy on him); If a person is invited to a gathering
in which there is something objectionable, such as wine and musical
instruments, and he is able to denounce it, then he should attend and
speak out against it, because then he will be combining two obligatory
duties. If he is not able to do that, then he should not attend. (al-Kaafi,
3/118)

Al-Tabari (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: The scholars of all
regions are agreed that singing is makrooh and should be prevented.
Although Ibraaheem ibn Sa’d and ‘Ubayd-Allaah al-‘Anbari differed from
the majority, (it should be noted that) the Messenger of Allaah (peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Adhere to the majority.” And
whoever dies differing from the majority, dies as a jaahili. (Tafseer
al-Qurtubi, 14/56). In earlier generations, the word “makrooh” was
used to mean haraam, then it took on the meaning of “disliked”. But
this is to be understood as meaning that it is forbidden, because he
[al-Tabari] said “it should be prevented”, and nothing is to be
prevented except that which is haraam; and because in the two
hadeeths quoted, music is denounced in the strongest terms.
Al-Qurtubi (may Allaah have mercy on him) is the one who narrated
this report, then he said: Abu’l-Faraj and al-Qaffaal among our
companions said: the testimony of the singer and the dancer is not to
be accepted. I say: if it is proven that this matter is not permissible,
then accepting payment for it is not permissible either.

Shaykh al-Fawzaan (may Allaah preserve him) said: What Ibraaheem ibn
Sa’d and ‘Ubayd-Allaah al-‘Anbari said about singing is not like the kind of
singing that is known nowadays, for they would never have allowed this
kind of singing which is the utmost in immorality and obscenity. (al-I’laam)

Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: It is not permissible
to make musical instruments. (al-Majmoo’, 22/140). And he said:
According to the majority of fuqahaa’, it is permissible to destroy
musical instruments, such as the tanboor [a stringed instrument similar
to a mandolin]. This is the view of Maalik and is the more famous of
the two views narrated from Ahmad. (al-Majmoo’, 28/113). And he said:
…Ibn al-Mundhir mentioned that the scholars were agreed that it is
not permissible to pay people to sing and wail… the consensus of all
the scholars whose views we have learned about is that wailing and
singing are not allowed. Al-Shu’bi, al-Nakha’i and Maalik regarded
that as makrooh [i.e., haraam]. Abu Thawr, al-Nu’maan – Abu
Haneefah (may Allaah have mercy on him) – and Ya’qoob and
Muhammad, two of the students of Abu Haneefah said: it is not
permissible to pay anything for singing and wailing. This is our view.
And he said: musical instruments are the wine of the soul, and what it
does to the soul is worse than what intoxicating drinks do. (Majmoo’
al-Fataawa, 10/417).

Ibn Abi Shaybah (may Allaah have mercy on him) reported that a man
broke a mandolin belonging to another man, and the latter took his case to
Shurayh. But Shurayh did not award him any compensation – i.e., he did not
make the first man pay the cost of the mandolin, because it was haraam and
had no value. (al-Musannaf, 5/395).

Al-Baghawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) stated in a fatwa that it is
haraam to sell all kinds of musical instruments such as mandolins, flutes,
etc. Then he said: If the images are erased and the musical instruments are
altered, then it is permissible to sell their parts, whether they are silver,
iron, wood or whatever. (Sharh al-Sunnah, 8/28)

An appropriate exception

The exception to the above is the daff – without any rings (i.e., a
hand-drum which looks like a tambourine, but without any rattles) – when
used by women on Eids and at weddings. This is indicated by saheeh
reports. Shaykh al-Islam (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: But the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) made allowances
for certain types of musical instruments at weddings and the like, and he
made allowances for women to play the daff at weddings and on other
joyful occasions. But the men at his time did not play the daff or clap with
their hands. It was narrated in al-Saheeh that he said: “Clapping is for
women and tasbeeh (saying Subhaan Allaah) is for men.” And he cursed
women who imitate men and men who imitate women. Because singing and
playing the daff are things that women do, the Salaf used to call any man
who did that a mukhannath (effeminate man), and they used to call male
singers effeminate – and how many of them there are nowadays! It is well
known that the Salaf said this.

In a similar vein is the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with
her), when her father (may Allaah be pleased with him) entered upon her at
the time of Eid, and there were two young girls with her who were singing
the verses that the Ansaar had said on the day of Bu’aath – and any sensible
person will know what people say about war. Abu Bakr (may Allaah be
pleased with him) said: “Musical instruments of the Shaytaan in the house
of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him)!” The Messenger of Allaah had turned away from them and was facing
the wall – hence some scholars said that Abu Bakr (may Allaah be pleased
with him) would not tell anybody off in front of the Messenger of Allaah
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), but he thought that the
Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was
not paying attention to what was happening. And Allaah knows best. He (the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)) said: “Leave
them alone, O Abu Bakr, for every nation has its Eid, and this is our Eid,
the people of Islam.” This hadeeth shows that it was not the habit of the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and his
companions to gather to listen to singing, hence Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq
called it “the musical instruments of the Shaytaan”. And the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) approved of this appellation
and did not deny it when he said, “Leave them alone, for every nation has
its Eid and this is our Eid.” This indicates that the reason why this was
permitted was because it was the time of Eid, and the prohibition remained
in effect at times other than Eid, apart from the exceptions made for
weddings in other ahaadeeth. Shaykh al-Albaani explained this in his
valuable book Tahreem Aalaat al-Tarab (the Prohibition of Musical
Instruments). The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
approved of young girls singing at Eid, as stated in the hadeeth: “So that the
mushrikeen will know that in our religion there is room for relaxation.”
There is no indication in the hadeeth about the two young girls that the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was listening to
them. The commands and prohibitions have to do with listening, not
merely hearing, just as in the case of seeing, the rules have to do with
intentionally looking and not what happens by accident. So it is clear that
this is for women only. Imaam Abu ‘Ubayd (may Allaah have mercy on
him) defined the daff as “that which is played by women.” (Ghareeb
al-Hadeeth, 3/64).

An inappropriate exception

Some of them make an exception for drums at times of war, and
consequentially some modern scholars have said that military music is
allowed. But there is no basis for this at all, for a number of reasons, the
first of which is that this is making an exception with no clear evidence,
apart from mere opinion and thinking that it is good, and this is wrong. The
second reason is that what the Muslims should do at times of war is to turn
their hearts towards their Lord. Allaah says (interpretation of the
meaning):

“They ask you (O Muhammad) about the spoils of war. Say: ‘The spoils
are for Allaah and the Messenger.’ So fear Allaah and adjust all
matters of difference among you…” [al-Anfaal 8:1]. But using music is
the opposite of this idea of taqwa and it would distract them from
remembering their Lord. Thirdly, using music is one of the customs of
the kuffaar, and it is not permitted to imitate them, especially with
regard to something that Allaah has forbidden to us in general, such as
music. (al-Saheehah, 1/145)

“No people go astray after having been guided except they developed
arguments amongst themselves.” (Saheeh)

Some of them used the hadeeth about the Abyssinians playing in the
mosque of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) as
evidence that singing is allowed! Al-Bukhaari included this hadeeth in his
Saheeh under the heading Baab al-Hiraab wa’l-Daraq Yawm al-‘Eid
(Chapter on Spears and Shields on the Day of Eid). Al-Nawawi (may Allaah
have mercy on him) said: This indicates that it is permissible to play with
weapons and the like in the mosque, and he applied that to other activities
connected with jihaad. (Sharh Muslim). But as al-Haafiz ibn Hajar (may
Allaah have mercy on him) said: whoever speaks about something
which is not his profession will come up with weird ideas such as
these.

Some of them use as evidence the hadeeth about the singing of the two
young girls, which we have discussed above, but we will quote what Ibn
al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said, because it is valuable:

I am amazed that you quote as evidence for allowing listening to
sophisticated songs the report which we mentioned about how two young
girls who were below the age of puberty sang to a young woman on the day
of Eid some verses of Arab poetry about bravery in war and other noble
characteristics. How can you compare this to that? What is strange is that
this hadeeth is one of the strongest proofs against them. The greatest
speaker of the truth [Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq] called them musical
instruments of the Shaytaan, and the Messenger of Allaah (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) approved of that appellation, but he made
an exception in the case of these two young girls who had not yet reached
the age of responsibility and the words of whose songs could not corrupt
anyone who listened to them. Can this be used as evidence to allow what
you do and what you know of listening (to music) which includes (bad)
things which are not hidden?! Subhaan Allaah! How people can be led
astray! (Madaarij al-Saalikeen, 1/493).

Ibn al-Jawzi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah
be pleased with her) was young at that time; nothing was transmitted from
her after she reached the age of puberty except condemnation of singing.
Her brother’s son, al-Qaasim ibn Muhammad, condemned singing and said
that it was not allowed to listen to it, and he took his knowledge from her.
(Talbees Iblees, 229). Al-Haafiz ibn Hajar (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: A
group of the Sufis used this hadeeth – the hadeeth about the two young girls – as
evidence that singing is allowed and it is allowed to listen to it, whether it is
accompanied by instruments or not. This view is sufficiently refuted by the clear
statement of ‘Aa’ishah in the following hadeeth, where she says, “They were not
singers.” She made it clear that they were not singers as such, although this may be
understood from the wording of the report. So we should limit it to what was
narrated in the text as regards the occasion and the manner, so as to reduce the risk
of going against the principle, i.e., the hadeeth. And Allaah knows best. (Fath
al-Baari, 2/442-443).

Some people even have the nerve to suggest that the Sahaabah and
Taabi’een listened to singing, and that they saw nothing wrong with it!

Al-Fawzaan (may Allaah preserve him) said: We demand them to show us
saheeh isnaads going back to these Sahaabah and Taabi’een, proving what
they attribute to them. Then he said: Imaam Muslim mentioned in his
introduction to his Saheeh that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn al-Mubaarak said: The
isnaad is part of religion. Were it not for the isnaad, whoever wanted to
could say whatever he wanted to.

Some of them said that the ahaadeeth which forbid music are full of faults.
No hadeeth was free of being criticized by some of the scholars. Ibn Baaz
(may Allaah have mercy on him) said: The ahaadeeth which were narrated
concerning music being haraam are not full of faults as has been claimed.
Some of them are in Saheeh al-Bukhaari which is the soundest of books
after the Book of Allaah, and some of them are hasan and some are da’eef.
But because they are so many, with different isnaads, they constitute
definitive proof that singing and musical instruments are haraam.

(cont...)
Re: is it haram?
proudtobemuslim

09/24/00 at 04:35:59

All the imaams agreed on the soundness of the ahaadeeth which forbid
singing and musical instruments, apart from Abu Haamid al-Ghazzaali, but
al-Ghazzaali did not have knowledge of hadeeth; and Ibn Hazam, but
al-Albaani (may Allaah have mercy on him) explained where Ibn Hazam
went wrong, and Ibn Hazam himself said that if any of (these ahaadeeth)
were saheeh, he would follow that. But now they have proof that these
reports are saheeh because there are so many books by the scholars which
state that these ahaadeeth are saheeh, but they turn their backs on that. They
are far more extreme than Ibn Hazam and they are nothing like him, for
they are not qualified and cannot be referred to
Some of them said that the scholars forbade singing because it is
mentioned alongside gatherings in which alcohol is drunk and where
people stay up late at night for evil purposes.

Al-Shawkaani (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: The response to this
is that mentioning these things in conjunction does not only mean that
what is haraam is what is joined together in this manner. Otherwise this
would mean that zinaa, as mentioned in the ahaadeeth, is not haraam unless
it is accompanied by alcohol and the use of musical instruments. By the
same token, an aayah such as the following (interpretation of the meaning):

“Verily, he used not to believe in Allaah, the Most Great,

And urged not on the feeding of Al?Miskeen (the poor).”

[al-Haaqqah 69:33-34]

would imply that it is not haraam to disbelieve in Allaah unless that is
accompanied by not encouraging the feeding of the poor. If it is said that
the prohibition of such things one at a time is proven from other reports,
the response to that is that the prohibition of musical instruments is also
known from other evidence, as mentioned above. (Nayl al-Awtaar, 8/107).

Some of them said that “idle talk” does not refer to singing; the refutation
of that has been mentioned above. Al-Qurtubi (may Allaah have mercy on
him) said: This – the view that it means singing – is the best that has been
said concerning this aayah, and Ibn Mas’ood swore three times by Allaah
besides Whom there is no other god, that it does refer to singing. Then he
mentioned other imaams who said the same thing. Then he mentioned
other views concerning the matter. Then he said: The first view is the best
of all that has been said on this matter, because of the marfoo’ hadeeth, and
because of the view of the Sahaabah and the Taabi’een. (Tafseer al-Qurtubi).

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him), after quoting this Tafseer,
said: Al-Haakim Abu ‘Abd-Allaah said in the Tafseer of Kitaab
al-Mustadrak: Let the one who is seeking this knowledge know that the
Tafseer of a Sahaabi who witnessed the revelation is a hadeeth with
isnaad according to the two Shaykhs (al-Bukhaari and Muslim). Elsewhere
in his book, he said: In our view this hadeeth has the same strength as a
marfoo’ report. Although their tafseer is still subject to further
examination, it is still more readily acceptable than the tafseer of those
who came after them, because they are the most knowledgeable among this
ummah of what Allaah meant in his Book. It was revealed among them and
they were the first people to be addressed by it. They heard the tafseer
from the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in
word and in deed. And they were Arabs who understood the true meanings
of (Arabic) words, so Muslims should avoid resorting to any other
interpretation as much as possible.

Some of them said that singing is a form of worship if the intention is for
it to help one to obey Allaah!

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: How strange! What
type of faith, light, insight, guidance and knowledge can be gained from
listening to tuneful verses and music in which most of what is said is
haraam and deserves the wrath and punishment of Allaah and His
Messenger? … How can anyone who has the least amount of insight and
faith in his heart draw near to Allaah and increase his faith by enjoying
something which is hated by Him, and He detests the one who says it and
the one who accepts it? (Madaarij al-Saalikeen, 1/485)

Shaykh al-Islam said, discussing the state of the person who has gotten
used to listening to singing: Hence you find that those who have gotten
used to it and for whom it is like food and drink will never have the desire
to listen to the Qur’aan or feel joy when they hear it, and they never find in
listening to its verses the same feeling that they find when listening to
poetry. Indeed, if they hear the Qur’aan, they hear it with an inattentive
heart and talk whilst it is being recited, but if they hear whistling and
clapping of hands, they lower their voices and keep still, and pay attention.
(Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 11/557 ff)

Some say that music and musical instruments have the effect of softening
people’s hearts and creating gentle feelings. This is not true, because it
provokes physical desires and whims. If it really did what they say, it would
have softened the hearts of the musicians and made their attitude and
behaviour better, but most of them, as we know, are astray and behave
badly.

Conclusion

Perhaps – for fair-minded and objective readers – this summary will make
it clear that the view that music is permissible has no firm basis. There are
no two views on this matter. So we must advise in the best manner, and
then take it step by step and denounce music, if we are able to do so. We
should not be deceived by the fame of a man in our own times in which the
people who are truly committed to Islam have become strangers. The one
who says that singing and musical instruments are permitted is simply
supporting the whims of people nowadays, as if the masses were issuing
fatwas and he is simply signing them! If a matter arises, they will look at
the views of fuqahaa’ on this matter, then they will take the easiest view, as
they claim. Then they will look for evidence, or just specious arguments
which are worth no more than a lump of dead meat. How often have these
people approved things in the name of sharee’ah which in fact have nothing
to do with Islam!

Strive to learn your Islam from the Book of your Lord and the Sunnah of
your Prophet. Do not say, So-and-so said, for you cannot learn the truth
only from men. Learn the truth and then measure people against it. This
should be enough for the one who controls his whims and submits himself
to his Lord. May what we have written above heal the hearts of the
believers and dispel the whispers in the hearts of those who are stricken
with insinuating whispers. May it expose everyone who is deviating from
the path of Revelation and taking the easiest options, thinking that he has
come up with something which none of the earlier generations ever
achieved, and speaking about Allaah without knowledge. They sought to
avoid fisq (evildoing) and ended up committing bid’ah – may Allaah not
bless them in it. It would have been better for them to follow the path of
the believers.

And Allaah knows best. May Allaah bless and grant peace to His
Messenger who made clear the path of the believers, and to his
companions and those who follow them in truth until the Day of
Judgement.

Summary of a paper entitled al-Darb bi’l-Nawa li man abaaha
al-Ma’aazif li’l-Hawa by Shaykh Sa’d al-Deen ibn Muhammad al-Kibbi.

For more information, please see:

Al-I’laam bi Naqd Kitaab al-Halaal wa’l-Haraam, by Shaykh al-‘Allaamah
Saalih ibn Fawzaan al-Fawzaan

Al-Samaa’ by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn al-Qayyim

Tahreem Aalaat al-Tarab by Shaykh Muhammad Naasir al-Deen al-Albaani
(may Allaah have mercy on him)

Islam-qa.com #5000
Re: is it haram?
proudtobemuslim

09/24/00 at 05:06:10

After reading all this, I understand what your mind is probably going through. If you're thinking that all of us here are higly religious, do no wrong and were always Islamic etc. then put that thought away. Most of us (me at least) were in the same position you are, and in some ways still are. You see, this is because there is no immediate solution (there is no "magic bullet" so to speak). The only way that you can accomplish your goal of being a great muslim (and the fact that you posted your message, shows that you have that goal in mind) is through patience and perseverance.

One of the greatest things that I read was when I was reading an article about Lowering the gaze (from women and desires) by Sheikh Ibn Al-Qayyim Al-Jawzi (ra). Let me quote (Honestly I don't know whether this is a Hadith or not, but I'm quite sure it is... please confirm): "whosoever leaves something for the sake of Allaah then Allaah, the Mighty and Magnificent, will replace it with something better than it."
Subhan-Allah! Think about it. After reading this I felt ... different. I mean, man really knows absolutely nothing compared to the Mighty. How is one to know that if he stays away from looking at that beautiful woman on the street, then Allah (AWJ) may grant him a wife who is more beautiful! This can be applied to all aspects of life.

When I say this I am not saying this to just you but to all our brothers and sisters, since the very moment we think that 'that's it, i'm a good muslim' is the time that we need to check our Imaan, our intentions and turn to Allah (AWJ) and ask him in complete and utter humility, acknowleging His Might and Power compared to our tiny, insignificance and ask Him to forgive us and keep us always on the straight path.

Brothers and sisters we are in Jihad against Shaitaan till death. Arm yourselves with Zikr (remembrance of Allah (AWJ)), Qur'an and whatever other weapons you can find in the Qur'an and Sunnah and fight the Muslim's fight.

Let me finish with the Hadith of the Prophet (SAW) where he says that had this Dunyah been as significant, in the sight of Allah (AWJ), as a dirty fly's wing, then He would not let the Kuffar have even a drop of water.

Wassalam-u-Alaikum

Re: is it haram?
dido

09/24/00 at 08:41:41

salamu alaykum ....
i really want to thank everybody for all your help. this is a very good site and place to learn from...in sha allah allah makes our path to the heavens widder everyday and forgives all our sins....ammeeeen...
i want to know if i sing or dance in front of all my muhrams, is it haram? because many times i'd dance in front of my parents or aunts and many times with my sisters ? the dancing is very respectable and with good music???
thank you and may god be with you and all the muslims always...and may he guid the ones blinds to gods path tot he right path...
ameeen.

Re: is it haram?
Saleema

09/24/00 at 18:33:32

Assalamoalykum,

Yes, Dido, it is perfectly halal for you to do that, if as you say, th songs and the dancing is appropriate. I know in many cultures people do that.

Wassalam

Re: is it haram?
dido

09/24/00 at 23:14:26

salamuu alaykumm.....
peace be upon all of you....two days ago i dreamed that my tooth fell... today i found out that both my grandparenrs are seriouys in the hospital...not only did my tooth fall i had many nightmare of falling ...
does this mean anything???
pls reply soonnn.
wasallm

Re: is it haram?
proudtobemuslim

09/25/00 at 07:41:36

Assalam-u-Alaikum

Saleema - What is the daleel for what you have just said? Ibn Hazams reservations about the Hadiths of music being fabricated have been answered. What else is their to say that music is not haram? If anybody knows something please tell me. There is a hadith where the Prophet (SAW) asked Aishah (RA) if she wanted to see an Abyssinian performance team that was in the city at the time. She agreed and watched the performance with the Prophet (SAW) until she decided to stop (note she rather than he, and they say the woman is the sandal of a man's foot, Inna Lillahi Wa Inna ilaihi Raji'oon). I do not know anything other than this. I do not know whether there was singing or music involved as well. if anyone can elaborate it would be a big help.

As for the dream there is a hadith, “If any one of you sees a dream that he likes, this is from Allaah, so let him praise Allaah for it and talk about it to others. If he sees other than that, a dream that he dislikes, this is from the Shaytaan, so let him seek refuge with Allaah from its evil and not mention it to anyone, for it will not harm him.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6584, and Muslim, 5862).

In regards to interpretation then that is for a scholar and i don't think anybody here is qualifies to interpret dreams.

Wassalam-u-AlaikumAssalam-u-Alaikum

Re: is it haram?
Saleema

09/25/00 at 12:39:26

Salam,

Proudtobemuslim,

What is my daleel? Look, there are very good scholars out there who will disagree with what you posted and will present equally well established arguments and refutaions. So...as I mentioned before, there's a diference of opinon and a person is free to choose whatever he likes.
Please, no arguments or long debates on music. Differences of opinion should be respected and it should not allow to affect brotherhood, because brotherhood is a fard.

Do you know of the event where the sahaba were on a journey and the time for asr slah came up? The Prophet Mohammad, pbuh, had instructed them to pray when they had arrived at their destination. But while still on the journy, the time for prayer arrived and the sahaba had a disagreement on the issue. The Prophet's,pbuh, instructions were that to pray asr when they arrive at the destination. So half of them agrgued that they should do exactly that even though asr time would be over by then. The other half disagreed. They argued that the Prophet (S) meant by that that if they arrive there on time they should pray asr over there. So half of them prayed on the way, and the other half at the destination.

When the got back from the journey, they asked him who was right. The Prophet (S) said that they were both right.

Wassalam

Re: is it haram?
proudtobemuslim

09/25/00 at 23:45:06

Assalam-u-Alaikum,

The problem with text is that it is so bland and one never knows in what tone a person is typing. I hope I didn't cause any offence to anybody or anybody's opinions. But I reread my post and I really only was asking for more evidence supporting the other view. What I posted was what I have been taught at school and what I have brought up with so I want to know more about the other side. If a discussion is not to be started (as was mentioned in the registration email) and I understand why not (as mentioned by se7en elsewhere we should truly be concentarting more on more important matters) then emails would be appreciated. Also, I have been taught never to accept anyting from anybody unless he has some sort of reliable daleel. The previous hadiths mentioned appear to me to be specific to special occasions (eid and marriages) rather then general. Again, if my post has caused any acrimonious feelings to arise then I apologize.

dido, I pray for the quick recovery of your grandparents.

Wassalam-u-Alaikum

Re: is it haram?
Saleema

09/26/00 at 02:40:10

Salam,

oh no, no hard feelings. Its just that i am sick of this topic. I had to think twice before relpying to dido's question, but felt that i should because he seemed very sincere.

e-mail it is then. and i think you and me might clash over this issue in the future while working on ur site. :)

Wassalam

Re: is it haram?
dido

09/26/00 at 08:37:02

salamy alaykum guys...
how r all of u? in sha allah ur all doin good...i want to thank everyone for everything they did...it's really helping me change into a better muslim...salemma thank you for ur wonderful compliments...
i was in a conversation with one mutawa3 today and he said that it is very very very haram to befriend a jewish persone...after he knew that i knew a couple of good ones he was very disturbed and disliked me a lot??? then he said that i cannot be friends with them but i its hallal to marry them even if they don't convert???...i amn very confused...i 'm sorry i'm asking a lot of questions i'll try my best to try answering more than asking...
peace be upon all of u and allah ma3akum jami3an in sha allah
wasalaaaam

Re: is it haram?
Saleema

09/26/00 at 16:15:36

Assalmaolykum,

Hello dido. first of all why don't you tell us all a little about yourself in the bebzi stand? Tell us your age and what country you live in.
That will help me to answer your future questions, so that if you are young I will try to explain things at your level. :)

And no, you are not asking a lot of questions. Ask as many questions as you like. :)

You are right, it is not haram to befriend a jew or any non-muslim. If we can marry the jews and christians, then obviously it is not haram. I know that a lot of Muslim from the middle east think that way because of the whole deal with Israel. Sometimes people also take the following aya from the Qur'an in support of their claim. but that is not what it means. Actually its meaning is quite clear in the verse itself. You don't have to be a scholar or a rocket scientist to understand this. In the Quran Allah has said that He has made the Qur'an easy to understand. See, its like an Ocean. If you are thirsty and have a cup with you, you can get the water and satisfy your thirst. If you have a glass, you will get more water in it than in the cup. If you have a bucket, then you will be able to get more out of the ocean. So you see, the Qur'an is just like that too, in fact, that is one of the miracles of the Quran. That people of all intellectual levels can understand it and enjoy it. What other book in the world can do that? A philosoper, a scientist, a politician, a lawyer, an economist all can get something out of it and more. (By more i mean that it gives them laws and regulations to live by and brings them closer to Allah the spritual side of Islam.) A book written for an average person, a scholar or a philosopher will find it boring. A book that is written for a scholar or a philosopher, your average person will find hard to understand. The Qur'an on the other hand is for everyone, everyone enjoy reading it. and they keep going back and reading it again and again.

"Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion and did not drive you out of your homes. Verily, Allah loves those who deal with equity. It is only as regards those who fought agianst you on account of religion, and have driven you out of your homes, and helped to drive you out, that Allah forbids you to befriend them. And whosoever will befriend them, then such are the zalimoon. (Wrong-doers, those who disobey Allah.)

hhmm... I think there is another verse that also talks directly about dealing with and befriending the non-Muslims. Allah is saying over here that as long as the non-Muslims are not fighting agisnt you or another Muslim(s), then it is okay for you to be kind to them.

Are your friends involved in fighting against the Muslims? If not, Then there is nothing wrong with you being their friends. But consider this also, are your friends involved in orgaznizations which are anti-Islam in their activities or do they support such orgaznizations that are anti-Islam? If so, then i would say, it is not right for you to be their friends, because how can you be a friend with someone who hates your religion and hates your brothers and sisters in Islam?

I know that many people say that befriending even the nice jews is a waste of time because they are so stubborn and set in their ways and that they hate the Muslims. To some degree it might be true. But not all are like that. We know a jewish family here that is Muslim now, all because she was friends with Muslims and saw them practicing their religion with such conviction and love.

I also know of someone in Pakistan who is a Muslim now but was jewish before and moved from Israel, (i think).

Wassalam

Re: is it haram?
Arsalan

09/26/00 at 15:55:57

Assalamu alaikum,

MashaAllah, some wise words from Saleema! I don't have much to add except this:

Jews who live in Israel are different from those that are not living there. Every Jew in Israel is considered to be in the military, fighting against the Muslims. People living outside it, however, may or may not carry hostility against Muslims, and until that is known, we should not carry hostility against them either!

I think Saleema is right in that many Arab brothers (and sisters), when they come to the US (or UK or whatever) forget that things are different here. Until they realize that, it is tough to change their attitudes.

Wassalamu alaikum.

Re: is it haram?
dido

09/27/00 at 08:39:19

slama to all.
hope all is goin well with all of u...
this is a little about me..
my name is Mohammed Al-Hashimy, i am 15 yrs old..(young huh to have all these problem)..i am half omani(the sultanate of Oman) and half emaraty(from the united arab emirates)!!! i am a boy who has the life of a normal teenager... i go to boston every summer and work there ...my sister sare studying over there and in sha allah in two years i'll join them...
hope to hear from all ogf u soonn..
wasalaaaam

Re: is it haram?
dido

09/27/00 at 12:53:41

salam...
i have a very important wquestion to ask all of you?is it haram for me to talk to a non-muhram girl , who is a good friend of mine? we talk about very clean stuff(nothing against god rules)we talk about school, movies, jokes, islam, we always argue and teach eachother islam.,...is it haram for me to talkl in the ophone...both our parents allow it...and is it haram if i am her friend???
pls reply soon...
wasallam

Re: is it haram?
Saleema

09/28/00 at 11:27:54

Salam,

Dido. So mt guess was right!! You are young!! hehe.

For this question, go to www.islam.org.
I think they will be able to answer your question better.

Wassalam

Re: is it haram?
Saleema

09/29/00 at 00:57:09

Salam,

OOPS!!!!!!!!!!!! the site is NOT www.islam.org

It's www.islam-qa.com

Wassalam

Re: is it haram?
Arsalan

09/29/00 at 01:20:24

Assalamu alaikum,

Islam.org also has a Question/Answer forum.

Re: is it haram?
humble_muslim

10/30/00 at 16:00:31

" Look, there are very good scholars out there who will disagree with what you posted and will resent
equally well established arguments and refutaions. So...as I mentioned before, there's a diference of opinon and a person is free to choose whatever he likes. "

Saleema,

This is a dangerous thing to say. It is NOT acceptable to choose an Islamic view soley to suit you. It is NOT acceptable to say that such-and-such scholar says it is ok without studying the provided daleel. I appreciate your enthusiasm, but when you are giving people knowledge of the deen, you must be very, very careful of what you are saying. May Allah SWT guide us all, Ameen.

NS
Re: is it haram?
Saleema

10/30/00 at 16:44:18

Assalamoalykum,

humble-muslim, i appreciate your concern. I have studied, and I am not following blindly. All the views have daleel to back it up. and the scholars are well admired and recognized ones on all of the different opinions on this matter. i don't want to get into a debate or an argument on this issue with anyone because the fact of the matter is there are different positions that you can take on this issue and who are we to tell anyone which is better? They have to decide it for themselves. Like with the issue of whether we can eat non-zabeha meat that the Christians have cut and similar other things to this topic. There are different opinions well known about each side of the argument. So it is quite obvious that a person may choose whatever pleases him and suits him. otherwise then it is like saying no, doesn't matter what anyone says, you can't choose that way, this is the only way. then why the difference of opinion and how do you explain that away?

If anyone wants daleel for the different opinions, then they can search for it themselves. its out there, and sometimes when i say somethings on this board, but don't have the daleel at hand, that means that anyone who wants to know the truth can search for it himself. :)
wassalam
Re: is it haram?
humble_muslim

10/30/00 at 18:05:44

Saleema,

I am not debating anything with you. I am only trying to make the point that you are ignoring some of the important usuls of fiqh in some of the things you are saying. In particular, you seem to be implying :

1) That the fact that all four Imams agree on a matter is not relevant.

2) That even if the majority of scholars agree on a matter, it does not matter.

3) That you can follow the view of a minority of scholars just to suit your own nafs.

Saleema, I am not a scholar and neither are you. But there certain usuls of fiqh we all must pay attention to before saying anything about haram and halal.

I would like some of the senior people on this board (Jannah, Bhaloo, Kashif?) to shed some light on this, please.

NS
Re: is it haram?
Saleema

10/31/00 at 15:01:48

Saleema,

1) That the fact that all four Imams agree on a matter is not relevant.

Excuse me?! When did I imply such a thing?

2) That even if the majority of scholars agree on a matter, it does not matter.

oh really? you must be a mind reader. oh no, how evil can I get?!

3) That you can follow the view of a minority of scholars just to suit your own nafs.

i eat non-zabeeha meat, i guess i must have a real sorry nafs.

Saleema, I am not a scholar and neither are you.

:( and here i thought i *was* a scholar.

But there certain usuls of fiqh we all must pay attention to before saying anything about haram and halal.

so follow them!

wassalam

Re: is it haram?
jannah

10/31/00 at 19:29:19

Salam,

Ok I think this thread can now be closed, there is no reason to violate the Madina charter because we are dwelving into alot of topics that even the ulema disagree on and there is no point in us discussing them here.

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