Evolution of Music in Islam

Evolution of Music in Islam
Imam Sikander Hashmi
Primary Sources
Qur’an
Revealed by God to
Muhammad
over 23 years
Evolution
of Music in
Islam
Hadith
Recorded sayings & teachings of
Prophet Muhammad ___
Music in Islamic Jurisprudence
Majority disallowed use of most
instruments
 Limited singing to certain categories

Evolution
of Music in
Islam
Reasoning behind Restrictions - I

“And from among people, there is he who
buys the lahw al-hadith, so that he, being
devoid of knowledge may mislead (people)
from the Way of God and make a mockery
of it. Such people are the ones for whom
there is a disgraceful punishment.” (Qur’an,
31:6)

Lahw al-hadith: “distracting amusement of
things”
Music (vocal or instrumental)
Buying singer/songs and other things that
cause heedlessness in remembrance of God


Evolution
of Music in
Islam
Reasoning behind Restrictions - II
Evolution
of Music in
Islam

“From among my followers there will be
some people who will consider… the use
of musical instruments as lawful.”

“God has forbidden wine, gambling, drum,
and sarangi (Indian fiddle).”

40 narrations from Prophet Muhammad
indicating disallowance of musical
instruments
Exceptions & Allowances

Duff: Tambourine without jingles
Drums: Sometimes
Cantillation Encouraged
Singing/Chanting Permitted
Qur’an
Praising God or Prophet
Adhan (call to prayer)
Poetry with noble themes
Weddings
Occupational music
Military band music
Evolution
of Music in
Islam
Other Views
Allowance of instruments (some or all)
 Other types of songs
 Some Sufis: Use of flute & other
instruments
 Means of attaining closeness to God
 Sheikh Ahmed Al Tuni

Evolution
of Music in
Islam
Recitation of Qur’an
“...and recite the Qur'an in slow,
measured rhythmic tones.” (Qur’an, 73:4)
 Science of Qira’ah
 Tajweed: Rules of phonetics, diction &
rendition

Evolution
of Music in
Islam
Colour-Coded Qur’an
Evolution
of Music in
Islam
Recitation of Qur’an
Qari Abdul Basit 'Abd us-Samad
 Sheikh Abdur Rahman Al-Sudais
 Sheikh Mishari Rashid Al-`Alafasi

Evolution
of Music in
Islam
Adhan – Call to Prayer
Given before each prayer at every
mosque
 Same words, different tunes
 BBC reporter experiences Adhan
 Adhan from Singapore Radio

Evolution
of Music in
Islam
Singing Praises
Hamd: Praising of God
 Na’at: Praising/remembering Prophet
 South Asian classic
 Malaysian group performing the Qasidat alBurdah

Evolution
of Music in
Islam
Growth in Islamic Music
Growing acceptance of minority opinions
 Critique of original stances
 Lesser of two evils argument
 Technology: Greater creativity & blurring
of lines of acceptability

Evolution
of Music in
Islam
Current Segments
No duff, no instruments, no
enhanced vocals
(duff only allowed in weddings)
Duff & vocals (original or enhanced)
Percussion instruments & vocals
(original or enhanced)
All instruments & sounds
Evolution
of Music in
Islam
Examples - I
Muhammad Nabeena
 Al-Habib by Talib al-Habib
 You’re Not Alone by Asif Choudhary
 Mountains of Makkah by Zain Bhikha
 Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) performing Tala
`al Badru `Alayna
 Junaid Jamshed before & after
 Raihan in Malay
 Aashiq al-Rasul: qawwali & debut video

Evolution
of Music in
Islam
Examples - II
Native Deen: Small Deeds
 Modern na’at (Burdah)
 Mesut Kurtis concert in Saudi Arabia
 Sami Yusuf concert: Hasbi Rabbi
 Kareem Salama – country

Evolution
of Music in
Islam
Thank You!
Please send me your feedback
 Contact info:

www.facebook.com/sikanderhashmi
www.sikander.ca
Twitter: @kingstonimam
Evolution
of Music in
Islam