What is the ruling on singing and listening to it, the ruling on religious songs, and the ruling on listening to songs unintentionally?
Singing accompanied by musical instruments is forbidden for both men and women to perform and listen to, with the exception of the duff (tambourine) for women at weddings, Eids, and upon the return of a traveler. Religious songs accompanied by music or sung by a woman to men are forbidden. Singing that is free of music, performed by a man, and has beneficial and useful lyrics is permissible, but one should not listen to it excessively. Permissible Islamic anasheeds (chants) are those with beneficial words that incite enthusiasm and zeal for the religion, but they should not be taken as a regular litany. Rather, they are for when needed, such as at weddings, during jihad, or to stir up spirits when there is a lull. Listening to the Quran and Prophetic supplications is better, purer for the soul, and more wholesome. It is not permissible to use drums or musical instruments with anasheeds. Listening to songs and music unintentionally or without listening intently carries no sin, but the listener should advise and forbid evil.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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