Rulings on Music

Imam Khamenei:

1. Distinguishing Halāl and Ḥarām Music: Music is considered Ḥarām if it is lahwī and leads people away from Allah, regardless of whether it is classical or not. The determination rests with the individual (mukallaf) based on their understanding. Music not falling into this category is not inherently Ḥarām.
2. Sanctioned Cassettes and Instruments: Listening to cassettes or using instruments like violins or flutes is permissible if they do not contain ghinā’ or lahwī music, which deviates from the path of Allah. Musical instruments are forbidden for producing Ḥarām lahwī music, but they can be used for other lawful purposes.
3. Lahwī Music and Deviating Music: Lahwī music is any music that distracts people from Allah and encourages sinful actions. The recognition of such music depends on the individual’s perception.
4. Role of Music Context: The nature of the music, the personality of the musician, the venue, and the lyrics all contribute to whether music is categorized as lahwī and Ḥarām. Music that fosters corruption or sinful behavior is forbidden.
5. Emotional Effects and Excitement: Any music that is lahwī and deviates people from the way of Allah is Ḥarām, whether or not it induces excitement or sadness. Music with love poems is also forbidden if it becomes ghinā’ or lahwī.
6. Women’s Use of Instruments: Women are not allowed to use musical instruments like the tambourine for lahwī music in wedding parties. However, if the music is traditional and does not lead to sinful behavior, it may be permissible.
7. Music in Islamic Contexts: Broadcasting music on radio or television does not automatically make it Halāl. Music suitable for sinful gatherings is Ḥarām. Music played in a holy place, like a mosque, is prohibited unless it is martial music during appropriate occasions, without disrupting worship.
8. Music for Medical Purposes: Music used for treating psychological conditions is permissible if supported by a sincere medical opinion, and it adheres to the requirements of the treatment.
9. Permissibility of Hearing vs. Listening: Hearing Ḥarām music is not equivalent to listening in all situations, and listening is prohibited in certain circumstances when it involves deliberate engagement.
10. Reciting Qur’an with Music: Reciting the Qur’an in a melodious voice is permissible, but playing music during its recitation has no shar‘ī justification.
11. Drumming at Parties: Using musical instruments in a lahwī manner at birthday or similar events is Ḥarām.
12. Identification of Lahwī Instruments: Instruments used primarily to produce music that leads people astray from the way of Allah, or causes deviation in thoughts and beliefs, are considered lahwī and are forbidden.

Ayatollah Sistani:

1. Forbidden Music: Music that promotes lustful urges or leads to immoral behavior is Ḥarām. Music suitable for entertainment or amusement gatherings is forbidden, regardless of its emotional effects like soothing the nerves.
2. Revolutionary Music: Music accompanying revolutionary songs is not permissible if it is suitable for entertainment and amusement gatherings, even if it aims to serve a positive cause.
3. Trading in Musical Instruments: It is forbidden to buy, sell, manufacture, or deal with musical instruments that are used for haram entertainment purposes. This applies to instruments used for both sinful and non-sinful purposes.
4. Children’s Musical Instruments: Musical instruments made for children’s play are permissible only if they do not produce music suitable for sinful gatherings. Adults should not use such instruments if they lead to haram entertainment.
5. Dance Classes in Schools: Attending dance classes to music that may affect religious upbringing is not permitted, especially if it has a negative influence on religious values.

Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi:

1. Trading and Using Musical Instruments: It is forbidden to trade in, buy, or manufacture instruments primarily used for haram entertainment, even if they have some lawful uses.
2. Definition of Singing: Singing that is part of a sinful gathering, regardless of the lyrics, is forbidden. The text’s content can also affect the ruling if it contributes to immoral behavior.
3. Haram Gatherings: A gathering becomes haram if it involves sinful acts like listening to lahwī music, regardless of the intentions of those involved. Music suited for sinful gatherings is Ḥarām.

Suitability of Music for Haram Gatherings: Music that is suitable for sinful gatherings is always considered Ḥarām, even if it is played in a different context. The classification of music as Ḥarām depends on its association with such gatherings.