What is the ruling on girls listening to anasheed (Islamic chants/songs)? Is it forbidden based on the Prophet's prohibition of singing to a Companion in the presence of women, or is it permissible given that the Prophet allowed young girls to sing and dance in front of him? And how does one respond to those who cite the hadith "an hour and an hour" in this context?

Scholars differed on the meaning of the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) statement to Anjasha: "Gently with the Qawarir (glass vessels)," into two opinions: The first is that Anjasha had a good voice and was reciting poetry for women, so the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) feared that he might tempt them with his voice. The second is that the intention was gentleness in travel; because camels quicken their pace when hearing poetry, which might harm the riding women.

As for the young girls who sang in the presence of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), the people of knowledge have stipulated that they were young in age, and that he approved their singing because it was an Eid day, and because they were not yet accountable (mukallafat), and their singing was of the Bedouin type related to bravery and war, not the blameworthy singing.

The permissible singing differs from the blameworthy singing. The former was simple singing with permissible poetry, accompanied by tambourines free of jingles, and it was permitted during times of joy. As for the blameworthy singing, it is the melodious, rhythmic singing that describes forbidden things, and uses entertaining musical instruments that lead the listener away from moderation.

A woman listening to men's chanting is permissible in principle, but it becomes forbidden if it leads to temptation, lust, or suspicion.