Marc Sheppard adapts a beloved song from The Sound of Music to discuss Sharia Law. But he missed one particularly apt element of that code of behavior. Sweetness & Light calls our attention to the prohibition of music itself, at least north of the border.

Today's lesson comes from the Ifta Department of the Canadian Council of Muslim Theologians:  

Is it permissible to play music/instruments and songs?

Answer

Those songs which do not include obscene or any non permissible matter and are sung under the limits of Shariah are allowed, otherwise not.

The use of the drum is allowed on the occasion of a wedding, wedding feast (walimah) and both days of Eid. This is concerning the drum which has no tinkle. The drum which has the tinkle is not permitted to be used.

Playing of all other instruments is not allowed. Islam prohibits music and therefore music is haram (unlawful).

Its direct effect is exciting and leading people away from the right path, (the path of Allah SWT). It spoils morality and causes addiction. It is mentioned in the Holy Quran under 'Lahwal Hadith' (idle talk):

'And among the people is the one who buys idle talk in order to lead (people) astray from the path of Allah without knowledge, holding it in mockery; for such there will be a humiliating punishment. (31:6)'. (Commentators of the Holy Quran have also included music in 'idle talk.')

Thomas Lifson   9 15 06