The End of Music

Kamal el Mekki

Description:

Shaykh Kamal discusses why we should stop listening to music.


All lectures by Kamal el Mekki

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30 Responses to “ Kamal el Mekki – The End of Music ”

  1. AAESHA says:

    ASALAMU ALAIKUM ALL… MASHALLAH!!!! I NEEDED THIS… HE WAS SMOOTH KIND AND UNDERSTANDING… HEY!! ALL MUSLIMS FEAR ALLAH!!! MUSIC IS HARAM….AND THIS LECTURE IS BENEFICIAL TO ME AND MY FAMILY.. MAY ALLAH SWT BLESS HIM AND HIS FAMILY…. SUBHANALLAH

  2. Suleman says:

    Al salaamu al aikum wa rahmutallahi wa barakathahu

    Some years ago when I first became interested in islam, during the month of Ramadan, one of my brothers who I didn’t know at the time, commented to me “Why are you listening to music, you should be listening to the Qur’an!”.

    Since then I have often thought… if we are asking our brothers and sisters to give up listening to music, then what are we giving them to listen to in its place.

    Respected students of the scholars… keep cranking out these mp3’s! May Allah make it beneficial for us!

    Jazak’Allah khairun

  3. Java says:

    Assalamu ‘Alaykum. Subhan’Allah, I loved this video! It was a GREAT reminder and it really made me think. May Allah (swt) give us the strength to let go of haraam, and guide us all Muslims to the path Allah loves. ameen.

  4. Kwame Madden says:

    As-salam Alaykium brother Kamal good lecture on time wish I could of been there.Brothers and sisters dont forget to get Khalid Baig book Slippery Stone and inuiry into the the Islamic stance on music.As our conferences become inundated with music ,we the the ummah will need more bold brothers like brother Kamal to take a stand and say this music does not belong here in this Islamic setting were people are trying to learn beneficial knowledge.May Allah reward you brother Kamal.

  5. BP says:

    MashaAllah JazakAllah for the eye openning lecture, it is amazing how we assume that we will be able to say shahada in our last moments without practising upon it during our lifetime- May Allah guide us all, Ameen. Listening to good Anasheed are an alternative to listening to haram music.

  6. moe says:

    what a stupid lecture, full of illogical argument and no basis from the quran. it doesnt say so why add it?

  7. y.M.r says:

    yeah I agree so. “the end of music” i don’t think so music is everywhere its nature’s language. Music halal if its haram then at least quote from sources and not disclude hadiths that say it is halal

  8. y.M.r says:

    don’t listen to it. Ask a true scholars instead

  9. y.M.r says:

    Say, “Who prohibited the nice things God has created for His creatures, and the good provisions?” Say,”Such provisions are to be enjoyed in THIS life by those who BELIEVE. Moreover, the good provisions will be exclusively theirs on the Day of resurrection.” We thus explain the revelations for people who know.” QURAN, 7:32

    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

  10. y.M.r says:

    Narrated Abu Musa: “That the Prophet said to him ‘O Abu Musa! You have been given one of the musical wind-instruments of the family of David.’ (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Virtues of the Qur’an, Volume 6, Book 61, Number 568)”

  11. Me says:

    To Moe and y.M.r.

    What makes you think the lecture does not include any quotes from sources??? The lecture includes numerous quotes from Quran and Hadith. What other source are you looking for? It’s not this lecture that is stupid or illogical. It’s your own closed minds and hearts that cannot comprehend it. Music in not nature’s language. It’s shaytan’s language.

    Music leads to dancing……
    Dancing leads to touching……
    and touching leads to….?????
    Fornication!!!

  12. y.m.r says:

    refute all the sources I given that prove it is halal.

  13. safiyah says:

    beautiffull mashallahh thank youu very benificall thankyouu great for my childrennn!!!

  14. yaya says:

    Asalamu Alaikum

    I have heard arguments from both sides of the argument. In response to this one:

    “Music leads to dancing…
    Dancing leads to touching…
    and touching leads to fornication.”

    I have trouble understanding this argument. How does dancing necessarily lead to touching? A tap-dancer performing an act on his own cannot physically touch anyone else as he is a one-man act, for example. Therefore your second point is false. How does touching lead to fornication? When I give my fellow Muslim brother a hug, I am touching him. How can touching then even remotely lead to fornication? The point it, you are being too general with your terms and what you are referring to is music that instills feelings of lust and desire, which is outrightly haraam, no matter if it is coming from music, or a TV show, or a newspaper article. Therefore, music, in total, cannot be said to lead to fornication.

  15. Yahya says:

    Assalamu alaikum w r w b

    Although not all music leads to fornication, Allah (swt)’s wisdom is too much to comprehend for us. Not only does music leads to fornication but it takes place the quran in our hearts (audhu billah!). It provokes feelings, like listening to a sad song will make you cry for instance.

  16. Abu Abdullah says:

    As-Salaamu ‘Alaikum,

    This was one of the most well presented talks on the topic I have heard. It is totally unbelievable for anyone to have listened to it whose heart has not been somehow damaged to say he did not establish his point based on the Qur’aan and authentic sunnah unless they do not perhaps understand English well. At least they should be honest and admit it is difficult for them to accept or give it up, but to write that it was not supported by evidence is incredible and blatant, stubborn denial. We live in a world that is steeped in music indeed and culture centers around it as the ‘universal’ language, so indeed many will find the speakers words unpalatable. That does not negate the truth in them. I don’t think he nor anyone who looks around him denies that people get great satisfaction and enjoyment from listening to music and can feel uplifted spiritually as many a church goer can attest to. Nevertheless, are Muslims supposed to feel that upliftment and satisfaction from the Qur’aan or not?

  17. ymr says:

    Look if nasheeds has music. Will it lead to dancing. Will a nasheed about allah. Make someone sin. You have to think about what type of music you are listening to.

    Here is one arugment “Music leads to dancing…
    Dancing leads to touching…
    and touching leads to fornication.”

    Can a nasheed do that.Take this nasheed for example http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SONaejN-UHk.

    Will Music that are islamic related do that

    Also refute my arguments if you can.

  18. ymr says:

    Here is another ayat,

    039.075

    Muhsin Khan: And you will see the angels surrounding the Throne (of Allah) from all round, glorifying the praises of their Lord (Allah). And they (all the creatures) will be judged with truth, and it will be said. All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists).

    Yusuf Ali: And thou wilt see the angels surrounding the Throne (Divine) on all sides, singing Glory and Praise to their Lord. The Decision between them (at Judgment) will be in (perfect) justice, and the cry (on all sides) will be, “Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds!”

    Pickthal: And thou (O Muhammad) seest the angels thronging round the Throne, hymning the praises of their Lord. And they are judged aright. And it is said: Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds!

    Sahih International: And you will see the angels surrounding the Throne, exalting [ Allah ] with praise of their Lord. And it will be judged between them in truth, and it will be said, “[All] praise to Allah , Lord of the worlds.”

  19. Mazin says:

    For a very detailed analysis and evidence from the Hadith regarding the prohibition of Music please refer to

    http://islamqa.com/en/ref/5000/music

  20. Abu Abdillah says:

    The most well researched book in English that I have seen is “The Slippery Stone” author’s last name Baig. No need to argue. Read.

  21. yaya says:

    Wa Alaikum Asalam Wa RahmatuAllahi wa Barakatuhu,

    I agree with your point that music can take the place of the Quran in ones heart if you become so entranced with it, which nothing in your heart should take the place of the Word of Allah swt. I suppose then that it would be best to avoid ANYTHING in general that you feel would be at risk of taking the place of Allah swt in your heart.

    I am reminded of the reference to alcohol in the Quran:

    (1) They ask you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) concerning alcoholic drink and gambling. Say: “In them is a great sin, and (some) benefit for men, but the sin of them is greater than their benefit.” And they ask you what they ought to spend. Say: “That which is beyond your needs.” Thus Allah makes clear to you His Laws in order that you may give thought.” Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #219

    So the point being that even though there are “some” benefits from alcohol for man, it is best to avoid it completely.

    However, the entire area of contention with regards to music is: where does it clearly state that music is haraam, period. Just from the fact that there is so much contention about this particular topic, there probably is evidence from both sides of the argument.

    Allah swt knows best.

  22. Thanks for posting this, reading your blog I’m amazed how much time you have put into it.

  23. Allah's Slave says:

    Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi taala wabarakatuh~

    Before i start,i just want you guys to clear out your hearts and put down all those ego of yours for a moment and think together.I am sorry and i am not try to be wise here but lets just think together and hopefully we can come up with something good at the end. Remember,one muslim is another brother to another muslim and same goes for the sisters. And i am sorry for my English is not that good but i’ll try to clear things out Insyallah.

    My dear muslim brother and sister or non muslim who’s reading this comment please pay attention. Though Sheykh Kamal El Mekki in this lecture said that music is haram and it resembles the tools of shaytan for deception. But what he was truly highlighting is that the type of music that can lead you astray and keep you away from Allah S.W.T. Now if you said that Nasheed is one of the category then you are truly wrong. Nasheed music are mostly calling you to remember the creator of Heavens and Earth,Allah, either it is about the mercy of Allah or rewards that Allah give to people who has given complete obedience to him or even punishment for those who rebel against him.It act as an advice for muslims and of course muslim knows Al-Quran is the best guidance and advice for mankind.

    Now if you compare Nasheed with any type of music you name it, Which one would you think that would be most beneficial to you?

    For instance you are listening to a country music that gives you an advice on life and on the other hand you have also an advice from Nasheed music about life with the praises of Allah in it. Now compare those two. You sing along with that country song what would get?a good deed?Not even a small one. Where as Nasheed most of it are advice for not to forget about Allah and at the same time you got a good deed because you are listening to something Allah like you listen to.

    On the day of Judgement,we stand before Allah and he will question us about what have we use our ears for and what we listen to.The Voice of shaytan or Nasheed of Allah or Al-Quran? We will be ask whether we use our ears for good or bad. Same thing goes to our other body parts we will be question what have we used them for.

    That’s all i can say brothers and sisters. If i happened to offend you in anyway please forgive me and may Allah bless you.

    I would like to share with you with one of my favorite Nasheed. Follow this link>>

  24. Sawood says:

    I totally agree with you brother we cant follow the step of shaitaan and in other side we make salaat.
    I still remember when i was young every Saturday i was in
    disco night club to appreciate music and dancing with every ladies inside.this is pure shaitaan work astarferullah.i thank to Allah swt that has given me time to make sincere tauba.

  25. viva islam says:

    great lecture he gives a lot to think about and makes you want to go and learn a little more and improve.

    i will say though and Allah forgive me if im wrong but didnt some women sing in front of the the prophet(saw) on different occasions and he(saw) didnt condem them???? correct me if im wrong.

    i wonder if this is a school of thought issue? as islam is a thinking persons religon which doesnt take realism at the expense of idealism

  26. Hanif says:

    In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

    All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

    Music is one of the purest and most beautiful creation of God Almighty who set the tone and rhythm of every sound in the universe. Music or singing like all the creations of God, that now constitute an important part of our daily life, can be lawfully used or maliciously abused. Both music and singing are created pure, and beautiful like our fresh air and fresh water and they can be corrupted or polluted by evil-doers of every nationality, color or gender. The corruption of some music shows or songs does not make all the music or songs haram (prohibited) just like the pollution of some water or fresh air by some people will not deem all the water and air haram (prohibited).

    It has been mentioned in the fatwa of Imam al-Akbar[6] (the great leader) (see p.375-385 in Fatawa Shaykh Shaltut Published in year 1379AH/1959ce by the Department of Culture at Al-Azhar) – the late Shaykh Mahmud al-Shaltut – on the topic of learning music and listening to it that: God created a human with a natural impulse/instinct (ghariza) to appreciate the beautiful and pleasant things that impresses him. Thus, through this natural impulse he is able to calm himself, stimulate himself, and relax his body. For example, a human being by his very nature is always pleased by beautiful sceneries such as a well-arranged garden, the dancing waves of clear seawater, and is delighted by the sight of a beautiful face as well as pleasant aromas. Sharia does not in any way try to suppress these human impulses and instincts, rather, it regulates them. Moderation and adopting the middle ground is the great and golden principle of Islam that has been clearly stated in the Quran in many places, for example: O children of Adam! Adorn and beautify yourselves at every place of worship (masjid) and eat, drink but do not be extravagant. Al-Araf: verse 31. Thus, the sharia expects the human being to adopt the middle path whenever he is responding to his natural impulses/instincts. It also provides guidelines to ensure the human instinct great love for beautiful scenery and lovely sounds is moderated and does not lead to harm or evil.

    The author of the book al-Sama (listening) Muhammad Ibn Tahir Ibn Ali Ibn Ahmad Ibn Abi al-Hasan al-Shaybani Abu al-Fadl al-Maqdisi well-known as Ibn al-Qaysarani a great expert in the field of hadith declared that there is no difference at all between listening to one type of instrument or another since there exist no single textual evidence, whether authentic or inauthentic, for or against the use of instruments. Early scholars such as Shaykh Abdul al-Ghani al-Nabulusi al-Hanafi who has been mentioned previously ruled that the use of such instruments was allowed since there was no evidence to prove otherwise. He also argues that the traditions used by those who are opposed to the use musical instruments, if we assume that they are authentic, they have only condemned music when accompanied and associated with intoxicants, fornication and other immoral behaviour. Almost all such traditions mention these vices as the reason behind the condemnation of music. This is also the view of Ibn Hazm who holds the view that the verdict whether music is allowed or not rests on the intentions of the people involved. Thus, if a person listens to music with the intention to relax and motivate himself before engaging in the obedience of God then he will be considered as a righteous person. However, if he does not make any intention whether good or bad, he will not be taken to account for his action and will be treated just like a person taking a walk in the park or sitting outside his house for fresh air.

    The Quran states: And, for what your tongues describe, do not utter the lie, (saying) This is lawful and this is unlawful, in order to forge a lie against God; surely those who forge the lie against God shall not prosper (al-Nahl: verse 116).

    Warning against playing with the word “ haram ”

    I would finally just like to address the self-styled scholars who tackle the word “ haram ” easily and set it free in their writings and fatwas that they should observe that Allah is watching over them in all that they say or do. They should also know that this word “ haram ” is very dangerous. It means that Allah’s Punishment is due on a certain act or saying, and should not be based upon guessing, whims, weak Hadiths, not even through an old book. It has to be supported by a clear, well-established text or valid consensus. If these last two are not found, then we revert the given act or saying to the original rule: “permissibility governing things”. We do have a good example to follow from one of our earlier pious scholars. Imam Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: “It was not the habit of those who preceded us, the early pious Muslims, who set good example for the following generations, to say, ‘This is halal , and this is haram . But, they would say, ‘I hate such-and-such, and maintain such-and-such, but as for halal and haram , this is what may be called inventing lies concerning Allah. Did not you hear Allah’s Statement that reads, ‘Say: Have you considered what provision Allah has sent down for you, how you have made of it lawful and unlawful? Say: Has Allah permitted you, or do you invent a lie concerning Allah?” (Yunus: 59) For, the halal is what Allah and His Messenger made lawful, and the haram is what Allah and His Messenger made unlawful.

  27. Brother says:

    Yes, listening to Quran is much better than listening to music. But is there something in Quran or Hadith that clearly says that music is haraam? Why is this such a debateable issue? We know pork and alcohol is haraam, why can’t music be as clear cut as this? Is music like techno ok since it has no singing?

  28. @Uni says:

    Assalamu Alaikum,
    The debate on this topic is around musical instruments, and not singing.
    i am not saying music is haram or halal. As brother Hanif mentioned, you shouldnt give fatwas easily. its not a light matter. ill try my best to search for the evidences used for, and against music. and ill list a few. btw, when i say evidence, im talking about from the quran and sunnah, none of this “Both music and singing are created pure, and beautiful like our fresh air and fresh water… if a person listens to music with the intention to relax and motivate himself before engaging in the obedience of God then he will be considered as a righteous person” they sound good, but are just opinions :/ no facts.

    Allaah says in Soorat Luqmaan (interpretation of the meaning):

    “And of mankind is he who purchases idle talks to mislead (men) from the path of Allaah…” [Luqmaan 31:6]

    The scholar of the ummah,(whom the prophet (SAAWS) made this dua for-“O Allah! Teach him (the knowledge of) the Book” Sahih al-Bukhari, 9:92:375), Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: this means singing. Mujaahid (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: this means playing the drum (tabl). (Tafseer al-Tabari, 21/40).

    Al-Hasan al-Basri (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: this aayah was revealed concerning singing and musical instruments (lit. woodwind instruments). (Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 3/451).

    This was reported with saheeh isnaads from Ibn ‘Abbaas and Ibn Mas’ood. Abu’l-Sahbaa’ said: I asked Ibn Mas’ood about the aayah (interpretation of the meaning), ‘“And of mankind is he who purchases idle talks’ [Luqmaan 31:6]. He said: By Allaah, besides Whom there is no other god, this means singing – and he repeated it three times. It was also reported with a saheeh isnaad from Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with them both) that this means singing. He said: By Allaah, besides Whom there is no other god, this means singing – and he repeated it three times. It was also reported with a saheeh isnaad from Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with them both) that this means singing.

    “Among my ummah there will certainly be people who permit zinaa, silk, alcohol and musical instruments…” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari ta’leeqan, no. 5590; narrated as mawsool by al-Tabaraani and al-Bayhaqi. See al-Silsilah al-Saheehah by al-Albaani, 91).

    It was narrated that Naafi’ (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: Ibn ‘Umar heard a woodwind instrument, and he put his fingers in his ears and kept away from that path. He said to me, O Naafi’, can you hear anything? I said, No. So he took his fingers away from his ears and said: I was with the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and he heard something like this, and he did the same thing. (Saheeh Abi Dawood).

    scholars that say it is haram usually reference these accounts as well as others.
    they say its haram based on these evidences, not because it leads to dancing and such.

    .
    For Music, i could only find this hadith to support it.

    This hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), when her father (may Allaah be pleased with him) entered upon her at the time of Eid, and there were two young girls with her who were singing the verses that the Ansaar had said on the day of Bu’aath – and any sensible person will know what people say about war. Abu Bakr (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “Musical instruments of the Shaytaan in the house of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)!” The Messenger of Allaah had turned away from them and was facing the wall – hence some scholars said that Abu Bakr (may Allaah be pleased with him) would not tell anybody off in front of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), but he thought that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was not paying attention to what was happening. And Allaah knows best. He (the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)) said: “Leave them alone, O Abu Bakr, for every nation has its Eid, and this is our Eid, the people of Islam.”

    This hadeeth shows that it was not the habit of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and his companions to gather to listen to singing, hence Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq called it “the musical instruments of the Shaytaan”. And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) approved of this appellation and did not deny it when he said, “Leave them alone, for every nation has its Eid and this is our Eid.” This indicates that the reason why this was permitted was because it was the time of Eid, and the prohibition remained in effect at times other than Eid, apart from the exceptions made for weddings in other ahaadeeth.

    sources: for – http://www.muslimaccess.com/articles/misc/music_in_islam.asp
    against – http://islamqa.com/en/ref/5000/music

    personally, i dont listen to music. If its haram, im staying away from a sin, Alhamdulillah. and if it is halal or w.e, then im still safe. win win situation xD

    Music is a debated topic since wayyy back in the day. the fact that all the four madhahib (Abu Hanifa, Shafi3y, Malik, Ahmed) ibn Umar, ibn Abbass, ibn Masood, and other if not most of the past and present scholars regard it as haram, should be sufficient proof that it is at least a doubtful matter, (not as clear cut and obvious as some people think).

    In a Hadith, the Prophet (Salla Allahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: “That which is Halaal is clear and that which is Haraam is clear, and between the two of them are ambiguous (mutashabihat) matters about which many people do not know. Thus he who avoids ambiguous matters clears himself in regard to his religion and his honour, but he who falls into ambiguous matters (eventually) falls into that which is Haraam, like the shepherd who pastures around a sanctuary, all but grazing therein. Truly every king has a sanctuary, and truly Allaah’s sanctuary is His prohibitions. Truly in the body there is a morsel of flesh, which, if it be whole, all the body is whole, and which, if it is diseased, all of (the body) is diseased. Truly, it is the heart.”
    [Related by al-Bukhaari and Muslim.]

  29. Thanseer Kerala India says:

    Excellent presentation of the topic by brother kamal..those who posted comments may pls b wary of d authenticity of their knowledge in islam..only those who r seeking truth with open heart will b guided by the verses of Allah….love u all….May Allah grant us His janna….

  30. Muhammed najad says:

    Pls provide mp3 download link

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