Nasheed vs Music

The Purpose of Listening to Nasheeds in Islam

Nasheeds vs Music, a topic that needs to be discussed.

Nasheeds, when composed and performed within the boundaries of Shariah, are not merely a form of vocal expression but a means of spiritual upliftment. The purpose of listening to nasheeds should be deeply rooted in the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala and the love of Rasulullah ﷺ.

1. A Means of Strengthening Imaan

The heart of a believer is always in need of spiritual nourishment. Just as the body requires food to sustain itself, the soul requires reminders to remain steadfast on the path of Allah. A nasheed that speaks of the greatness of Allah, the beauty of Rasulullah ﷺ, or the virtues of the Sahabah رضي الله عنهم can revive the heart and bring about a sense of longing for Allah and the hereafter.

Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur’an:

أَلَا بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ ٱلْقُلُوب
“Indeed, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:28)

Nasheeds, when composed with sincerity and based on truthful words, can serve as a reminder of Allah’s mercy, His majesty, and the fleeting nature of this dunya.

2. A Way to Express Love for Rasulullah ﷺ

True love for Rasulullah ﷺ is not just in words but in actions. However, the heart naturally desires to express itself, and poetry in praise of Rasulullah ﷺ has existed since the time of the Sahabah. Hazrat Hassan ibn Thabit رضي الله عنه was a poet who composed verses in defense of Rasulullah ﷺ, and the Prophet ﷺ himself appreciated his poetry.

When listening to a nasheed about Rasulullah ﷺ, it should be done with the intention of increasing love for him and striving to embody his Sunnah.

Rasulullah ﷺ said:

لَا يُؤْمِنُ أَحَدُكُمْ حَتَّىٰ أَكُونَ أَحَبَّ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ وَالِدِهِ وَوَلَدِهِ وَٱلنَّاسِ أَجْمَعِينَ
“None of you will (truly) believe until I am more beloved to him than his father, his child, and all of mankind.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 15:14)

Nasheeds that remind us of Rasulullah ﷺ and his sacrifices should inspire us to follow his way rather than just be a form of emotional enjoyment.

3. To Encourage Tazkiyah (Spiritual Purification)

True nasheeds should have a purifying effect on the heart, reminding the listener of Allah, the hereafter, and the reality of this world. They should not be a source of heedlessness, nor should they instill worldly desires.

Hazrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi رحمه الله mentioned that the heart should not be drawn into the enjoyment of melodies; rather, it should be absorbed in the meanings of the words and their message.

Nasheeds that soften the heart, remind one of death, the Day of Judgment, or the need to turn to Allah are beneficial. However, if nasheeds become a replacement for Qur’an recitation, du’a, or dhikr, they become a veil rather than a means of guidance.

4. Nasheeds Should Not Become Entertainment

One of the greatest dangers in our time is the commercialization of Islamic nasheeds. Many nasheeds today are produced in a way that closely resembles music, with background effects that replicate musical instruments. The tone, style, and delivery are designed to entertain rather than remind.

When nasheeds are listened to merely for pleasure, without a deep reflection on their meaning, they lose their purpose. If a person finds themselves emotionally attached to a certain voice or rhythm rather than the message, it is a sign that the nasheed is being treated as a form of enjoyment rather than spiritual guidance.

Hazrat Maulana Abdul Hamid Sahib دامت بركاته has repeatedly emphasized that the primary function of Islamic reminders, including nasheeds, is to bring people closer to Allah. If a nasheed is making a person heedless, desirous of entertainment, or distracted from their duties in Deen, then it has lost its intended purpose.

Types of Nasheeds to Avoid in Islam

Not all nasheeds align with the teachings of Islam. As believers, our goal should be to ensure that whatever we listen to brings us closer to Allah Ta’ala, rather than becoming a source of heedlessness or resembling impermissible forms of entertainment. Below are the types of nasheeds that should be avoided:

1. Nasheeds with Musical Instruments (Other Than the Permissible Duff in Specific Cases)

Islam strictly prohibits the use of musical instruments, except for the duff under certain conditions. Many modern nasheeds incorporate instruments such as drums, pianos, violins, and even electronic sound effects that mimic music. These nasheeds, regardless of their “Islamic” content, fall into the same ruling as music and should be avoided.

Hadith Evidence:

Rasulullah ﷺ said:

لَيَكُونَنَّ مِنْ أُمَّتِي أَقْوَامٌ يَسْتَحِلُّونَ الْحِرَّ وَالْحَرِيرَ وَالْخَمْرَ وَالْمَعَازِفَ
“There will be people from my Ummah who will deem as permissible illegal sexual intercourse, the wearing of silk (for men), drinking alcoholic drinks, and the use of musical instruments.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 5590)

This hadith clearly indicates that music is haram, and any nasheed that includes musical instruments becomes impermissible. Even if the lyrics are praising Allah or Rasulullah ﷺ, the presence of haram elements renders it impermissible to listen to.

2. Nasheeds That Resemble Secular Songs or Pop Culture

Many nasheed artists today try to appeal to a broader audience by mimicking the styles of popular Western and Bollywood music. This includes:

• Nasheeds with excessive vocal effects that imitate musical beats

• Nasheeds that are sung in a way that resembles love songs

• Nasheeds that use catchy, repetitive melodies designed for enjoyment rather than reflection

Such nasheeds blur the line between what is halal and haram. They may carry an “Islamic” label, but their tone, rhythm, and emotional appeal make them no different from regular songs. This creates an unhealthy attachment to music-like sounds, weakening a person’s resistance to actual haram music.

Hazrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi رحمه الله warned against anything that draws the heart toward music and entertainment rather than dhikr and spiritual purification.

3. Nasheeds That Are Performed in a Way That Awakens Desires (Fitnah)

Islam emphasizes modesty and purity of the heart. If a nasheed is sung in a way that arouses emotions of love, romance, or worldly longing, then it becomes a fitnah (source of trial). This is particularly problematic when:

• A male singer’s voice is softened excessively to sound “emotional”

• A female singer performs a nasheed, especially in front of non-mahram men

• The lyrics resemble love poetry that could be mistaken for a song about worldly romance

Imam Ibn Qayyim رحمه الله mentions in “Madaarij as-Saalikeen” that voices and melodies designed to stir human desires are among the tools of Shaytaan to distract believers from their true purpose.

4. Nasheeds That Are Commercialized and Focus on Fame

The purpose of Islamic reminders is to bring people closer to Allah, not to build celebrity culture. Unfortunately, many nasheed artists today focus on gaining followers, selling albums, and promoting themselves rather than spreading the message of Islam sincerely. Signs of problematic nasheeds include:

• Concert-style performances with flashing lights and stage shows

• Artists who charge excessively for their nasheeds and make it an industry

• Nasheeds that are played in gatherings where people are entertained rather than spiritually uplifted

Rasulullah ﷺ warned:

َ أَخْوَفَ مَا أَخَافُ عَلَى أُمَّتِي الشِّرْكُ الْخَفِيُ. “The thing I fear most for my Ummah is the hidden shirk.” (Musnad Ahmad)

Scholars explain that this hidden shirk includes doing religious acts for fame and personal gain rather than for the pleasure of Allah.

5. Nasheeds That Distract from the Qur’an and Dhikr

If a person finds themselves listening to nasheeds more than reciting Qur’an or engaging in dhikr, it is a sign that they have placed too much emphasis on nasheeds. The words of Allah Ta’ala should always be the main source of our spiritual nourishment.

Hazrat Maulana Abdul Hamid Sahib دامت بركاته mentions that while nasheeds can sometimes serve as a boost in imaan, they should never become a substitute for direct acts of worship. If a person listens to nasheeds daily but struggles to spend even 10 minutes reading Qur’an, then something is wrong.

6. Nasheeds That Are Listened to for Mere Enjoyment

Islamic reminders, including nasheeds, should always be a means of drawing closer to Allah, not a form of casual entertainment. If a person listens to nasheeds just to pass time, enjoy the melody, or feel “emotionally high” without any real impact on their actions, then they are treating it like music.

A sign of this is when a person listens to nasheeds but does not feel an increase in their love for Allah or Rasulullah ﷺ. Instead, they become attached to the voice of the artist or the melody itself.

Definition of Music in Islam

In Islam, music (الغناء والموسيقى) refers to melodious sounds, whether vocal or instrumental, that create amusement, entertainment, and heedlessness from the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala.

From an Islamic perspective, music is categorized based on its effect on the heart and soul rather than just its technical composition. If a sound, whether produced by an instrument or the human voice, is used in a way that incites desires, distracts from the Deen, or resembles the culture of the disbelievers, it falls under the prohibition of music.

1. Music as Defined in Islamic Texts

Islamic scholars have provided various definitions of music based on the Qur’an, Sunnah, and classical fiqh literature.

a) Definition from Fiqh Books

In “Radd al-Muhtar” (commonly known as Durr al-Mukhtar, a fundamental Hanafi fiqh book), it is stated:

“Listening to music and musical instruments is haram because it leads to sinful pleasures and distractions from the Deen.”

Imam Ibn Hajar al-Haytami رحمه الله defines music in “Kaff al-Ra’a an Muharramat al-Lahw wa al-Sama’” as:

“Any sound that arouses unlawful desires, occupies the heart with false emotions, or causes a person to become heedless of the commands of Allah.”

2. Types of Music in Islam

Islamic scholars divide music into different categories:

a) Instrumental Music (موسيقى بالآلات)

This includes any music that involves the use of instruments such as:

• String instruments (guitar, violin, etc.)

• Wind instruments (flute, saxophone, etc.)

• Percussion instruments (drums, piano, etc.)

Instrumental music is unanimously agreed upon as haram, based on the hadith of Rasulullah ﷺ:

َيَكُونَنَّ مِنْ أُمَّتِي أَقْوَامٌ يَسْتَحِلُّونَ الْحِرَّ وَالْحَرِيرَ وَالْخَمْرَ وَالْمَعَازِفَ
“There will be people from my Ummah who will deem as permissible illegal sexual intercourse, the wearing of silk (for men), drinking alcoholic drinks, and the use of musical instruments.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 5590)

Since music is mentioned alongside zina (fornication) and alcohol, it is clear that it is among the forbidden elements in Islam.

b) Vocal Music (الغناء بدون آلات موسيقية)

This refers to singing without instruments. If the content of the song contains:

• Haram elements (romantic love, encouragement of sin, imitation of disbelievers, etc.), then it is completely forbidden.

• Neutral or beneficial content (poetry that encourages good character, love for Allah, reminders of the hereafter, etc.), then it depends on the intention and context.

However, if even a permissible form of vocal singing is performed in a way that creates entertainment, distraction, or attachment to melody, it becomes makruh (disliked) or even haram.

Hazrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi رحمه الله warned that excessive listening to even permissible poetry in melodious tones can lead to an attachment to rhythm, which eventually draws the heart towards musical indulgence.

3. Evidence from the Qur’an and Hadith

a) Qur’an on the Prohibition of Music

Allah Ta’ala warns about people who engage in idle entertainment that misguides others:

وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يَشْتَرِى لَهْوَ ٱلْحَدِيثِ لِيُضِلَّ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍۢ وَيَتَّخِذَهَا هُزُوًا ۚ أُو۟لَـٰئِكَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌۭ مُّهِينٌۭ
“And among the people is he who purchases idle talk (لَهْوَ الْحَدِيثِ) to mislead others from the way of Allah without knowledge, and takes it in ridicule. For such there will be a humiliating punishment.” (Surah Luqman 31:6)

Ibn Mas‘ud رضي الله عنه, a great Sahabi and scholar, interpreted lahw al-hadith (idle talk) in this verse as music.

b) Hadith on the Harm of Music

1. Music leads to hypocrisy

ٱلْغِنَاءُ يُنْبِتُ ٱلنِّفَاقَ فِي ٱلْقَلْبِ كَمَا يُنْبِتُ ٱلْمَاءُ ٱلزَّرْعَ
Rasulullah ﷺ said: “Music grows hypocrisy in the heart just as water grows plants.” (Sunan al-Bayhaqi)

2. Music causes heedlessness of Allah

Rasulullah ﷺ said: “A nation in which singing and musical instruments become common, Allah will afflict them with calamities, earthquakes, and transformations (of people into animals as punishment).” (Sunan Ibn Majah, 4020)

3. Music is the voice of Shaytaan

Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه interpreted the verse: “And excite [to senselessness] whomever you can among them with your voice.” (Surah Al-Isra 17:64) as referring to music and all forms of corrupt sounds that distract from Allah’s remembrance.

4. Why Is Music Prohibited?

Islam does not prohibit things without reason. The wisdom behind the prohibition of music includes:

1. It distracts from the remembrance of Allah

• The heart becomes attached to melodies rather than dhikr and Qur’an.

2. It creates desires and spiritual corruption

• Music has a strong effect on emotions, often leading people towards haram thoughts and actions.

3. It resembles the lifestyle of the disbelievers

• The culture of music is deeply rooted in immorality, fame-seeking, and heedlessness.

4. It weakens the heart’s connection with Allah

• Instead of finding peace in salah, Qur’an, and dhikr, a person starts finding emotional satisfaction in music.

5. What Is NOT Considered Music in Islam?

Islam makes a distinction between:

• Purely instrumental sound (haram)

• Poetry or speech without melody (halal)

• Daf (simple drum) in certain cases (permissible with conditions)

The duff was permitted by Rasulullah ﷺ on specific occasions (e.g., Eid, weddings) without additional musical elements.

Hazrat Maulana Abdul Hamid Sahib دامت بركاته explains that even nasheeds should not be performed in an excessively rhythmic or emotional way that resembles songs or creates entertainment.

Conclusion

Music, in the Islamic definition, is any sound—vocal or instrumental—that distracts from Allah’s remembrance, awakens sinful desires, or resembles the culture of disbelievers.

If a nasheed falls into any of the problematic categories mentioned above, it is best to leave it. The believer’s heart should be occupied with Qur’an, dhikr, and permissible reminders that purify rather than entertain.

As Hazrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi رحمه الله advised:

“Not everything that is labeled Islamic is truly Islamic. Seek that which benefits the heart, not that which merely pleases the ears.”

As believers, our hearts should be filled with the words of Allah and the Sunnah of Rasulullah ﷺ. Any form of sound that removes the nur (light) of imaan, weakens the soul, or promotes heedlessness falls under the category of haram music.

A true believer should always ask:

• Is this sound bringing me closer to Allah?

• Would Rasulullah ﷺ approve of me listening to this?

• Does it remind me of dhikr, Qur’an, and the hereafter, or does it entertain me and make me heedless?

May Allah protect our hearts from all forms of distraction and grant us the love of His remembrance. Ameen.

The Harms and Evils of Music in Islam

Music is not just a form of entertainment—it is a tool used by Shaytaan to divert people from the remembrance of Allah. While music may seem harmless on the surface, its long-term effects on the soul, heart, and society are deeply destructive. Below are the harms and evils of music, backed by the Qur’an, Hadith, and statements of classical Islamic scholars.

1. Music Leads to Heedlessness (Ghaflah) of Allah

The primary harm of music is that it distracts the heart from the remembrance of Allah. When a person listens to music regularly, they become emotionally attached to melodies, lyrics, and rhythms, making it harder for them to find pleasure in the Qur’an, dhikr, and Salah.

Qur’anic Evidence:

Allah Ta’ala warns in the Qur’an:

“وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يَشْتَرِى لَهْوَ ٱلْحَدِيثِ لِيُضِلَّ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍۢ وَيَتَّخِذَهَا هُزُوًا ۚ أُو۟لَـٰئِكَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌۭ مُّهِينٌۭ
And among the people is he who purchases idle talk (lahw al-hadith) to mislead others from the path of Allah without knowledge and takes it in ridicule. For such, there will be a humiliating punishment.” – (Surah Luqman 31:6)

Ibn Mas‘ud رضي الله عنه, one of the greatest Sahabah and mufassireen, stated:

“By Allah, lahw al-hadith in this verse means music and singing.”

Music fills the heart with useless emotions, causing a person to become heedless of the purpose of life and the preparation for the hereafter.

Hadith Evidence:

ٱلْغِنَاءُ يُنْبِتُ ٱلنِّفَاقَ فِي ٱلْقَلْبِ كَمَا يُنْبِتُ ٱلْمَاءُ ٱلزَّرْعَ
Rasulullah ﷺ said: “Music and singing cause hypocrisy to grow in the heart, just as water causes crops to grow.” -(Sunan al-Bayhaqi, Shu‘ab al-Iman)

A person who listens to music constantly will find their heart hardening, making it difficult to cry in Salah or feel spiritually moved by the Qur’an.

2. Music Increases Desires and Sinful Inclinations

One of the greatest evils of music is that it stirs unlawful desires, leading to Zina (fornication), immodesty, and immoral behavior. The vast majority of modern music revolves around themes of love, romance, breakups, and sinful relationships.

Qur’anic Evidence:

Allah Ta’ala warns about following desires:

َلَا تَتَّبِعِ ٱلْهَوَىٰ فَيُضِلَّكَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ
“And do not follow your desires, for they will lead you astray from the path of Allah.”-(Surah Sad 38:26)

Hadith Evidence:

لَيَكُونَنَّ مِنْ أُمَّتِي أَقْوَامٌ يَسْتَحِلُّونَ ٱلْحِرَّ وَٱلْحَرِيرَ وَٱلْخَمْرَ وَٱلْمَعَازِفَ
Rasulullah ﷺ said:I “A nation in which music and musical instruments become common, Allah will afflict them with calamities, earthquakes, and transformations (into animals as a punishment).”- -(Sunan Ibn Majah, 4020)

When music becomes widespread, morality declines, and people become obsessed with fulfilling their carnal desires, leading to a society filled with zina, broken marriages, and immodesty.

3. Music Is the Call of Shaytaan

Music is one of the most powerful tools used by Shaytaan to mislead mankind. It creates emotional intoxication, causing people to drift away from their Deen and immerse themselves in the pleasures of the Dunya.

Qur’anic Evidence:

Allah Ta’ala tells Shaytaan in the Qur’an:

“َٱسْتَفْزِزْ مَنِ ٱسْتَطَعْتَ مِنْهُم بِصَوْتِكَ
And excite [to senselessness] whomever you can among them with your voice.”

(Surah Al-Isra 17:64)

Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه interpreted “your voice” in this verse as referring to music, songs, and all forms of corrupt entertainment that lead people away from the remembrance of Allah.

Music lulls a person into a false sense of happiness, distracting them from their true purpose in life—worshipping Allah and preparing for the Akhirah.

4. Music Weakens the Connection with the Qur’an

The heart cannot hold the love of music and the love of the Qur’an at the same time. If a person listens to music frequently, they will notice that their attachment to the Qur’an weakens.

Imam Ibn Qayyim رحمه الله said:

“َٱسْتَفْزِزْ مَنِ ٱسْتَطَعْتَ مِنْهُم بِصَوْتِكَ
The Qur’an and music cannot coexist in the heart of a believer. One will push out the other.” -(Madaarij as-Saalikeen)

A person who listens to music will struggle to find peace and tranquility in the Qur’an because their heart has become addicted to worldly sounds instead of divine speech.

5. Music Resembles the Lifestyle of the Disbelievers

Music is deeply rooted in the culture of the disbelievers, particularly in immoral and corrupt lifestyles. Most of the world’s music industry is controlled by people who promote:

• Immorality

• Alcohol, drugs, and illicit relationships

• Materialism and love of the Dunya

A Muslim is meant to have a distinct identity—one that is free from the habits and desires of non-believers.

Hadith Evidence:
مَنْ تَشَبَّهَ بِقَوْمٍ فَهُوَ مِنْهُمْ
Rasulullah ﷺ said: “Whoever imitates a people, he is one of them.” -(Sunan Abi Dawood, 4031)

When a person listens to music, they begin adopting the attitudes, emotions, and desires promoted by musicians—many of whom are openly immoral and godless.

6. Music Hardens the Heart and Removes the Light of Imaan

The heart is the center of a person’s spirituality. Music corrupts and darkens the heart, making it numb to sin and heedless of Allah Ta’ala.

Imam Al-Ghazali رحمه الله stated:

“Music is the spiritual wine of Shaytaan. Just as alcohol intoxicates the mind, music intoxicates the soul, making it forgetful of Allah.”

This is why people who listen to music frequently find it difficult to enjoy Salah, feel khushu‘ (humility) in worship, or engage in sincere repentance.

7. Music Wastes Precious Time and Energy

A believer’s time is one of their most valuable blessings.

نِعْمَتَانِ مَغْبُونٌ فِيهِمَا كَثِيرٌ مِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ، ٱلصِّحَّةُ وَٱلْفَرَاغُ
The Prophet ﷺ said: “There are two blessings that many people waste: good health and free time.” -(Sahih al-Bukhari, 6412)

Music is one of the greatest time-wasters. People spend hours listening to music, memorizing lyrics, and attending concerts—all of which could have been spent in the remembrance of Allah.

Every moment that passes without the remembrance of Allah is a moment lost forever.

8. Music Brings About Allah’s Displeasure and Punishment

Listening to music is not a light matter—it is a direct disobedience to Allah and His Messenger ﷺ. Music is linked to many punishments in the Dunya and Akhirah.

Hadith Evidence:

فِى هَذِهِ الأُمَّةِ خَسْفٌ وَمَسْخٌ وَقَذْفٌ، وَذَٰلِكَ إِذَا شَرِبُوا ٱلْخَمْرَ، وَٱتَّخَذُوا ٱلْقَيْنَاتِ، وَضَرَبُوا بِٱلْمَعَازِف
Rasulullah ﷺ said: “In my Ummah, there will be people who will consider zina, silk (for men), alcohol, and musical instruments to be lawful. Some of them will be transformed into apes and pigs.” -(Sahih al-Bukhari, 5590)

When a sin becomes widespread in a society, Allah removes His blessings and replaces them with trials, misguidance, and calamities.

Conclusion

Music is not just a form of entertainment—it is a spiritual disease that weakens the heart, distances a person from Allah, and fills the soul with heedlessness and desires. The harms of music include:

• It distracts from the remembrance of Allah

• It leads to zina and immodesty

• It is the call of Shaytaan

• It weakens the connection with the Qur’an

• It resembles the disbelievers

• It hardens the heart and removes Imaan

• It wastes time and energy

• It brings Allah’s punishment

A true believer should replace music with the Qur’an, dhikr, and beneficial knowledge, ensuring that their heart remains pure and connected to Allah Ta’ala.

May Allah protect us from the evils of music and grant us the love of His remembrance. Ameen.

Extra resources :

1. “The Islamic Ruling on Music and Singing” by Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari: This article provides an in-depth analysis of the permissibility of music and singing in Islam, referencing classical sources and scholarly opinions. https://hamdardislamicus.com.pk/index.php/hi/article/download/492/236/1579

2. “The Effects of Music in the Light of Islam” by Jamiatul Ulama KZN: This piece discusses the spiritual and moral implications of engaging with music, drawing upon Qur’anic verses and Hadith to elucidate the Islamic stance. https://hamdardislamicus.com.pk/index.php/hi/article/download/492/236/1579

3. “Music and Its Effects on the Mind and Body” by Dr. Gohar Mushtaq: This article explores the psychological and physiological impacts of music, aligning scientific findings with Islamic teachings to highlight potential harms. 

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