Is listening to music allowed in Islam?

Listening to music occasionally, as most people do, is not forbidden. But one should not become addicted to it, and what matters are intention, style and content.

With some questions it helps not to ask too much. The first verse above advises against wanting every small matter regulated down to the last detail. Whoever demands a strict rule for every everyday question often makes life needlessly hard. The question of music is one of these.

Islam does not forbid listening to music now and then, as almost everyone does. But it warns against becoming addicted to it. Someone who is completely absorbed in music and neglects prayer, duties and clear thinking because of it is on a bad path. Music can also lead to wrong deeds when it is made for that purpose.

That is why one should use common sense. What matters is the intention, the style of performance and the content. A song that praises God, gives courage or celebrates goodness is something quite different from one that calls to immorality.

The singing of women is not forbidden in principle either. The hadith above tells of two girls who sang songs in the house of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). When someone wanted to rebuke them, he said they should be left alone. So hearing a woman’s voice is not a sin in itself.

Whoever hears a song with good content and thinks of something wrong should look for the cause within. What matters is a pure heart and moderation, not a strict ban.