Reviewed by: Shakira Ahmed
Fact Checked by: Shahina Islam
Can You Listen To Music During Ramadan? The Islamic month of Ramadan is a special time when questions such as Can you listen to music during Ramadan are common since no Muslim wishes to commit sin during this period. Muslims are expected to practice self-restraint and dedication to prayer and worship.
This includes abstaining from certain activities that would otherwise be permissible at other times of the year, such as listening to music.
Can You Listen To Music During Ramadan?
The short answer is, no. According to Islamic law, all forms of music (including vocal and instrumental) should be avoided during the month of Ramadan, regardless of the type or genre.
There are several reasons why this is so. The most prominent is that listening to music is seen as an act of frivolity and distraction from prayer and devotion.
Music also creates feelings of excitement which can lead to emotional attachments that interfere with one’s spiritual journey during Ramadan.
Another reason why it is haram (forbidden) to listen to music during Ramadan is that it causes one’s mind and heart to become occupied with worldly thoughts instead of turning completely towards Allah and His worship.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said,
“Whoever does not shun foul words and act accordingly, there is no need for him to deprive himself of food and drink.” He also said, “Fasting is a shield (against sins or vices); so if one of you is fasting, let him not engage in wrangling or foul deeds and idle talk. If anyone scolds or ridicules him, let him not retaliate; rather he should simply say, I am fasting, I am fasting.” (Al-Bukhari)
According to this hadith, music is considered something that can distract you from fasting and prayer. It is important to remember that although music is prohibited during Ramadan, other activities such as studying the Quran or listening to lectures about Islam are encouraged.
Furthermore, some scholars believe that listening to music leads to immorality or licentiousness and thus should be avoided at all costs during this sacred period.
Why Is It Haram To Listen To Music During Ramadan?
Many scholars prompt the idea of avoiding music during Ramadan. Music also creates feelings of excitement which can lead to emotional attachments that interrupt the spiritual journey in this holy month.
If the reasons for the prohibition of music in the month of Ramadan are to be outlined, these probably will summarize the whole cause:
- Music creates emotions that can lead to emotional attachments, which interfere with the spiritual journey during Ramadan.
- Music occupies one’s mind and heart instead of turning completely towards Allah and His worship.
- Listening to music during Ramadan is considered a sin according to Islamic law, regardless of the type or genre of music.
- Listening to music can deprive one of the opportunities to benefit from the spiritual blessings of Ramadan.
- Music can lead to a weakened state of faith since music is seen as something that takes away one’s focus from God and worshipping Him.
- The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that those who do not shun foul words should not deprive themselves of food and drink, which music is seen as a form of.
Is Listening To Instrumental Music Haram Too During Ramadan?
When it comes to instrumental music specifically, there are more lenient approaches depending on where one draws their religious guidance from.
For example, some scholars argue that instrumental music may be acceptable if its purpose is purely educational or spiritual — such as an instrumental track used for meditation — since it does not contain any lyrics which could lead one astray from their faith.
Other scholars state that all forms of music — including both vocal and instrumental — should be avoided altogether during Ramadan.
Does Music Invalidate Your Fast?
The short answer is yes. Listening to music during Ramadan can invalidate the spiritual benefits associated with the holy month and lead one astray from their faith.
Thus, it is important to be mindful and conscious of what music you are listening to — if any music at all — during Ramadan.
The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said:
“There may be someone who fasts and gets nothing from his fast except hunger, and there may be someone who prays qiyaam and gets nothing from his qiyaam but a sleepless night.”
Narrated by Ibn Maajah (1690)
Classed as Saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Ibn Maajah.
It is also important to remember that music is just one of many activities that can negatively impact your fast. Other activities such as smoking, engaging in sexual intercourse, and fighting is also prohibited during Ramadan.
Is Listening To Music Permissable During Ramadan After Iftar?
Some scholars argue that music can be listened to after iftar since it is no longer considered a distraction from the spiritual journey of Ramadan. However, this is still highly debated amongst religious scholars and may depend on the type or genre of music being played.
It is important to remember that music during Ramadan should be kept at a minimum and only listened to if it is not seen as a distraction. As music can be interpreted differently by different people, it is important to use your own discretion when deciding what music — if any — you should listen to during Ramadan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Listening To Music OK During Ramadan?
The answer to this question depends on where one draws their religious guidance from. Some scholars argue that music may be acceptable if its purpose is purely educational or spiritual.
Others state that all forms of music should be avoided altogether during Ramadan, as music can lead to a weakened state of faith and deprive one of the opportunities to benefit from the spiritual blessings of Ramadan.
2. Is Listening To Music During Ramadan Halal?
Listening to music during Ramadan is permissible in certain circumstances, such as when the music does not contain any lyrics that could lead one astray from their faith.
Final Words
Ultimately, with many Islamic restrictions, can you listen to music during Ramadan is also answered through our detailed researched article.
On the basis of the importance placed by Islam on avoiding anything that might distract someone from dedicating themselves fully towards worshiping God during Ramadan, many feel that it’s best for believers who wish to observe a valid fast free from things like listening to any kind of musical pieces —whether vocal or instrumental— in order ensure they honor this spiritual practice faithfully throughout the holy month!
