Is the monotheistic Muslim singer who plays the oud, and who passed away 15 years ago, considered to be part of the Ummah of Muhammad (peace be upon him), especially since the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) forbade musical instruments and stated that whoever deems them lawful is not of his Ummah?

Singing accompanied by musical instruments is forbidden by scholarly consensus. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "There will be among my Ummah people who will consider unlawful sexual intercourse, silk, intoxicants, and musical instruments as lawful." This does not mean that the singer is not part of the Ummah unless he considers the forbidden to be lawful. Sinners do not become disbelievers due to their sins unless they believe that what is forbidden is permissible. Legitimization occurs by believing these things to be permissible or by habitually engaging in them. One who commits a forbidden act while knowing its prohibition is disobedient and wicked. However, one who believes that what is forbidden is permissible is a disbeliever if he knows the evidence for its prohibition and denies it. The principle is to hate sinners proportionate to their sin, but it is not forbidden to love them due to a work relationship or kinship, just as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, loved his uncle Abu Talib.