What is the ruling on a husband forcing his wife to listen to and memorize forbidden songs, while knowing the prohibition of lowering garments and his work involves mixing with and joking with women?
Listening to songs accompanied by music is forbidden by the majority of scholars. What the husband does by listening to songs and music and being addicted to them is a reprehensible act, and it is not permissible to condone it or participate in it, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "There is no obedience in disobedience; obedience is only in what is right." His stipulation of this before marriage does not justify it, for conditions that involve disobedience are void, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Muslims are bound by their conditions, except for a condition that makes a forbidden thing lawful or a lawful thing forbidden."
One must avoid listening to these songs and advise the husband gently, reminding him of their danger, for they corrupt the heart and turn one away from the remembrance of Allah. He should be informed of the words of the scholars regarding the prohibition of musical instruments, and encouraged to attend gatherings of knowledge, accompany righteous people, and listen to beneficial audios. He can be compensated with permissible songs that have good lyrics and wholesome meanings, free from musical instruments. One should cooperate with him in acts of obedience, especially reciting and reflecting upon the Quran, for "the love of the Book and the love of melodies of song do not combine in the heart of a servant."
He should be advised to adhere to Allah's boundaries in dealing with non-mahram women, for joking and being overly casual in speech with them without need is against the Sharia. One must seek Allah's help and make abundant supplications, while not falling short in fulfilling the husband's rights, for his rights are great, and being a good wife to him helps him accept advice.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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