What is the ruling on using an application for learning English that contains musical tones that cannot always be muted, given the necessity of using it to strengthen one's language skills?

The slight, unintended tones in educational programs, which appear when transitioning or revealing answers, are closer to an alert signal. They are permissible due to the inability to prevent their sound and the lack of an alternative devoid of them. The matter is lenient from two perspectives:

1. Distinguishing between istimāʿ (intentional listening) and samāʿ (unintended hearing). The prohibited act is istimāʿ, while samāʿ, which occurs without intention, is not, as indicated by the hadith (definition) of Ibn Umar regarding hearing the shepherd's flute. Ibn Taymiyyah also clarified that the prohibition applies to istimāʿ, not samāʿ. This is also in line with the fatwa (definition) issued by the Permanent Committee concerning unintended hearing of singing and music.

2. This is a matter of widespread affliction (balwā ʿāmmah) from which it is difficult to disengage. It is minor and subordinate to something else, not intended in itself. The pardoning of minor, subordinate matters is recognized in Islamic law. Therefore, a Muslim should seek forgiveness for what could not be avoided, as the Companions did.