Is All Types of Music Haram?

Music is expressly prohibited in many Ahadith.

Among the dominant purposes and missions of our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW was to destroy musical instruments. (Mishkat: Vol.2)

Some people assert that beating of the Duff (drum) is established in Hadith. However, to assert on the basis of some Ahadith that to listen to Islamic songs with music in the background is incorrect. Several Ahadith clearly prohibit the use of the drum as well as other musical instruments.

Consider the following Ahaadith:

"Abdullah ibn Mas'ud RA reports that Rasulullah SAW declared every wine, gambling, beating of drums and every intoxicant as Haraam." (Abu Dawud)

"Saiyidina Ali RA narrates that Rasulullah SAW prohibited the beating of drums." (Kanzul Ummaal)

"The Kubah (drum) is Haraam." (Bayhaqi, Musnad Bazzar)

These Ahadith are general and prohibit the beating of the drum. Those who claim that the beating of drums is permissible generally use the Hadith wherein it is reported that Rasulullah SAW said: "Announce the Nikah even though it be with the Duff." (Mishkat)

In another narration, it is reported that Rasulullah SAW passed by little girls who were beating drums. (Ibn Majah)

However, to use these Ahaadith to substantiate the beating of drums as a musical instrument is baseless. The beating of drums on the occasions was for the purpose of announcement of a Nikah or the arrival of somebody or the sighting of the moon. There is no evidence whatsoever that drums were used merely for entertainment. Rather it is reported that when Umar RA heard the sound of beating drums, he would send a person to inspect the occasion. If it was a Nikah (which was being announced by means of the drum) he would keep quite. Otherwise, he would punish those involved. (Fathul Qadeer)

In contemporary times there is no need to use the drum to announce any occasion, nor is it used for such purposes. In these times, it is used commonly as a musical instrument. The use of the drum as a musical instrument is expressly forbidden as has been clearly ascertained from the Ahaadith mentioned in the beginning. Also, music itself is expressly forbidden in Deen.

Allah Ta'ala says in the Noble Qur'an:

"And there are some people who purchase idle talk, for them is a severe punishment."

The grand expert of the Qur'an amongst the Companions of Rasulullah SAW - Abdullah ibn Mas'ud RA says that this verse was revealed regarding singing.

Rasulullah SAW said:

"Allah ordered me to destroy musical instruments."

Rasulullah SAW said:

"People from my Ummat will drink wine and give it other names and singing girls and musical instruments will be played before them. Allah will cause the earth to swallow them, and disfigure their faces into apes and pigs."

Rasulullah SAW mentioned:

When singing girls and musical instruments becomes common, wait for red winds, earthquakes, the earth swallowing people, disfiguring and many more punishments. (Mishkat: 470)

In the light of the above, it is not even permissible to hear "Islamic songs" or nasheeds having the sound of beating drums in the background. There is no compromise or alternative definition with regards to this. Those who fear and love Allah do not look for loop holes. They instead strive to be the best. The Sahabah RA did not waste their time on music and idle pursuits.