Though there are no verses in the Qur’an referring to the permissibility of music, Islamic scholars are divided on this subject. Some assert that all music except nasheed (religious music) is haram, or forbidden, to Muslims. Some scholars and Muslims believe that music haram, others believe that music is permissible is it is not written about haram topics (such as partying or drinking), some believe that music is permissible if it is not used for or leads to sinful activities, and still others believe that music is completely permissible, or halal. Though scholars will probably never reach a consensus regarding this issue, it is interesting to look into various people’s beliefs. My host mother has told me that she things music is only haram if it is distracting you from prayer or other obligations.
One verse which is referenced by those arguing that music is not permitted in Islam is the following verse, which shows that it is not right for someone to decide whether or not something is halal or haram unless it was specifically mentioned in the Qur’an as such.
Say “Do you see that which God has provided for you, you make some of it Unlawful (Haram) and some of it Lawful (Halal)?” Say “Did God allow you to do this? Or do you tell lies about God?”
QURAN, 10:59
However, the one type of music all Muslims will agree is halal is nasheed, or religious music. Often sung in Arabic a cappella, nasheed are religious songs about the prophets or God, somewhat similar to hymns in the Christian faith.
I love Arabic music, so I have been listening to a lot of it since arriving in Oman. I have heard about the disagreement over music’s permissability in the past, and decided to listen to nasheed! Here are my top ten favorite nasheed songs. I hope you enjoy them! I’m sorry for not being able to directly put the videos into my post; I’m not completely WordPress literate yet!
1. “Qasidah Burdah” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsoAOOFyQc8
2. “La Ilaha Illallah” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fS_2MIWTiKA
3. “Wipe Your Tears” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wl6wx0i4FTk
4. “As-Sabru Nuur” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5djzzD7jdY
5. “Don’t Be Sad” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeD3ppZxBZk
6. “Be-Islami” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZbbZFR3pqM
7. “Taweel Al-Shawq (Long Longing)” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIOifJ7Gruc
8. “Taballah” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQnh-y9z4oE
9. “Don’t Be Sad” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3o2v7qsMgs
10. “Farshy Al-Turab” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8gNjCSkk7o
Caillean in Oman 