Can I Listen to Instrumental Music During Ramadan?

If you’re wondering whether you can listen to instrumental music during Ramadan, the answer is yes! In fact, many Muslims enjoy listening to music as a way to relax and reflect during this holy month. However, it’s important to be mindful of the lyrics of the songs you’re listening to, as they should not be offensive or disrespectful.

Introduction

It is common for Muslims to refrain from listening to music during the holy month of Ramadan. This is because music is thought to distract from the spiritual aspects of the month, when Muslims focus on prayer and doing good deeds. However, there is no definitive answer as to whether or not listening to instrumental music is permissible during Ramadan. Some Islamic scholars argue that it is allowed, as long as the music does not contain any vulgar or suggestive lyrics. Others believe that it is better to avoid all music during Ramadan, in order to prevent any possible distraction from worship. Ultimately, it is up to each individual Muslim to decide what they feel comfortable with during this holy month.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting (sawm), prayer, reflection and community. This annual observance is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The month lasts 29–30 days based on the visual sighting of the crescent moon, according to numerous biographical accounts compiled in hadiths. The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root ramiḍa or ar-ramaḍ, which means scorching heat or dryness.[5][6] Fasting during Ramadan was already obligatory (wajib) when it was elevated to one of the Five Pillars[7][8] of Islam

Can I Listen to Instrumental Music During Ramadan?
Yes, you can listen to instrumental music during Ramadan.

What is Instrumental Music?

Instrumental music is music that has no singing. It is just the melodies and the beats of the instruments that are playing.

What is the Purpose of Ramadan?

Ramadan is a month of fasting, introspection and prayer for Muslims around the world. During this time, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking or engaging in sexual activity from dawn to dusk. Instead, they focus on spiritual matters and performing good deeds. Some Muslims also take the opportunity to listen to religious lectures or read religious texts during Ramadan.

Does Islam Forbid Music?

There is no question that in the mainstream Muslim world, music as well as other activities such as singing, dancing, and acting, are generally considered Haram (prohibited). With regard to music specifically, the prevailing view is that any music which consists of melodies and rhythms is Haram. This view is based on the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in which he said:

“From amongst my followers there will be some people who will consider unlawful that which is lawful, and they will consider lawful that which is unlawful. They will recite the Qur’an but it will not go beyond their throats. They will pass through the religion as an arrow passes through its game. And they will killed themselves but they will not kill themselves with a sword.” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)

In other words, music is seen as a means by which one can easily become engrossed in worldly pleasures and forget about Allah and His religion. This is why many scholars have deemed it Haram.

However, there are a minority of scholars who have held the view that music itself is not Haram but rather certain types of music are. Specifically, those types of music which incite immorality or cause distraction from remembrance of Allah (the Qur’an and Salah). This view is based on the following Hadith:

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “There should be no harming or reciprocating harm.” (Abu Dawud)

And:
“That which does not occupy your mind from Allah’s remembrance nor does it benefit you must stop doing it.” (Jami At-Tirmidhi)

Conclusion

Based on the information and opinions gathered, it seems that there is no clear consensus on whether or not listening to instrumental music is permissible during Ramadan. The most important thing seems to be the intention behind why you are listening to the music – if it is for entertainment or relaxation, then it is probably better to avoid it, but if you are using it as a tool to help you focus on your prayers or Quran recitation, then there might be more leniency. In the end, it is best to consult with a local scholar or Imam to get a ruling specific to your situation.