Abbreviations used:

290 - Question: Please inform us what is meant by entertaining music?

Answer: Music that is used in vain and gatherings of amusement. (B,G,K,S,T)

291 - Question: Please inform us how to differentiate between music that is entertaining music and music that is not, especially since the common people differ concerning one particular type of music. Those who used to listen to music in the past for example, would say that it is entertaining music, and others that have not heard that type of music will say that it is not entertaining music; in either scenario, what is one's responsibility in this difference? Is it permitted to hear such types of music?

Answer: The basis of determining entertaining music is either one's own certainty that that kind of music is entertaining music, or else one can refer to the common people. In the event that one is in doubt, it is not a problem to listen to it. (A,B,K,L,M,S)

Answer: It is not allowed to listen to anything which may be considered as music, whether it is entertaining music or not. (G)

Answer: The basis of determining entertaining music is either one's own certainty or those who have knowledge (of music) inform him. Not with standing, in the event that someone else does not tell them something that contradicts the speech of those who have knowledge (regarding music).

However, if the common people have a difference in regards to a type of music such that the person doubts whether it is entertaining music or not, then in this case, listening to it, according to, Ihtiyat Wajib, is not permitted. (T)

292 - Question:  What is the meaning of entertaining music?

Answer: Entertaining music is that which changes a person's mental state into one that is not normal, and brings about pleasure and joy. (L)

293 - Question: Some of the music that is played by the Radio & TV of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting CO. is the same music that was played at the time of the despotic rule of the Shah, and some of it is the music that has been taken from films from abroad, & yet another type of the music played is that in which the vocals have been taken out and it (too) was played at the time of the Shah  please inform us which of these are permissible, and which of them are haram?

Answer: Music that is entertaining music is haram (even if played by the Iranian Broadcasting Co.), but as for music that one is doubtful about, is not a problem (to listen to). (B,K,L,M,S)

Answer: It is haram to listen to any type of music, whether it is played by the Iran Broadcasting Company or otherwise. (G)

Answer: According to Ihtiyat Wajib, one must keep away from music which one has doubts about. (T)

294 - Question: Some of the songs, which are played by the Iranian Broadcasting Company, have fast tunes which take a person out of his `normal' state. What is the ruling on listening to such types of music? What is the ruling on those types of music such as those with lyrics about Shahid Mutahhari and others that cause one to fall into a state of sorrow? Also, what is the ruling on making such types of music?

296 - Question: If a person does not get stimulated or aroused by listening to music, then what is the ruling on him listening to such types (of music)?

General Rules
Therefore, listening to or producing any type of entertaining music is haram, whether because of that (entertaining music), one would become stimulated or not, and whether one would gain pleasure from it or not. It makes no difference if the music brings one happiness or sadness; whether it is traditional music or otherwise; Iranian or non-Iranian; whether it be in a wedding ceremony or anywhere else. In the event that the music is not entertaining music, then it is not a problem to listen to or compose it. If a certain type of music is doubtful (one does not know if itis entertain brgmusicor not), then it is not a problem for one to listen to or compose it.

297 - Question: Is it permissible to listen to certain types of music with an intention that we are listening to it without the intention of it being a vain and futile act? For example, music which is said to be good to calm and soothe the body, or music that some doctors recommend (their patients to listen to) for healing, or music that has been composed for the war in which there is no intention of vain and futile acts?

299 - Question: I usually watch television programs and with me are children from age 5 up to 20, both girls and boys, students in school and those in the Hawza. Sometimes, I see things on the television that go against the laws of Islam, and since I do not want to see the Islamic culture and ideals of the children go bad, or that the children mix haram and halal, or confuse bad from good, I point out (the lawful and prohibited) to them. However, some people are very rude to me and tell me that Imam Khomeini (may he rest in peace) considered all of the television programs as being permissible (halal). Please inform me, that as far as seeing non-Mahram women who are dressed up, laughing and playing, and the music that is being played - what is one's responsibility?

Answer: Still (today), the television and radio programs are not ioo% Islamic, and amongst these (programs) there are those that are not permissible, which, if special attention is paid to them, can be corrected. However, it is necessary that one's interaction with the youth and young adults be such that their conviction in the actual principles of the Islamic Republic are not caused to waver, since these principles are the protection of the fundamentals of Islam and Shi ism. (L)

It is known that just as in the beginning of Islam, all of the rules of Allah, step by step, were revealed and put into practice. In this system (Government of Iran) too, which was preceded by a despotic regime that was against Islam, we can not expect that all of the rules of Islam be put into practice in a short period of time. Rather, it is necessary that if this happens over a duration. It is hoped that in the near future, all of the laws of Islam will be realized under the Islamic Government. Thus, in those areas where one has certainty that something forbidden is taking place, one must refrain from it; and no harm or corruption will take place, then one should guide the others (to what is right) as well.

300 - Rule: It is not a problem to make music by other than those instruments that are used in vain and futile gatherings such as a copper basin, metal bowl, pail and ... with the condition that the music is not entertaining music. (A,B,K,L,M,S,T)

In all instances, composing music with instruments that are used for vain and futile gatherings is haram and with other than these (instruments) such as the copper basin and a metal bowl, according to Ihtiyat Wajib, it is also not permitted. (G)

301 - Rule: It is haram to listen to entertaining music and singing, however hearing these (without paying attention to them) is not a problem.

Summary: Sometimes a person listens to music and is actually paying attention to it - this is haram; however sometimes a person simply hears the music but is not paying attention to it - in this instance, it is not a problem. An example of this is if music can be heard from the house of one's neighbors; or someone who is listening to entertaining music drives by, but the person pays no attention to it - in these instance, even if the person hears it, it is not a problem.

302 - Question:  You have mentioned that it is not a problem for a woman to dance for her husband. Is it permissible to listen to music while the dancing is taking place?

Answer: If the music is entertaining music then it is not allowed. (K,L,T)

Answer: According to Ihtiyat Wajib, it is not permissible for a woman to dance even for her husband, just as it is not permissible to listen to entertaining music. (A)

Answer: It is completely not allowed to dance, and according to  Ihtiyat Wajib,  one must refrain from this, even if it is a woman dancing for her husband. It is (also) not permissible to listen to entertaining music. (B)

It is completely not allowed to listen to music, however, it is permitted for a woman to dance for her husband. (G)

Q&A on Music from Other sources

Q172: Is it permissible to listen to religious songs?

Follow up: You mean religious phrases that are composed with musical tunes that are common amongst the people of amusement & entertainment?
Response: Yes.
A: It is prohibited to listen to them. The same ruling applies to all phrases that are not for pleasure and amusement - such as supplication or dhikr - but composed with these musical tunes. (FM, p. 437) (Ayatuallah Seestani)

QUESTION: I do taqleed of Agha Seestaani, and am wondering on the ruling concerning the single 'I have no cannons that roar', that is being publicized by Yusuf Islam presently. Although it is music, a lot of Muslims are saying that it is acceptable to listen because of the nature and background of the writing. Is this true, please help

ANSWER: Music is music and it is haraam to listen to music.  In Islam,  the end does not justify the means. A very basic principle in Islam is 
"LAA YUTAAULLAHHAYTHU YU'SAA" - Allah cannot be obeyed if, in the process, a sin is committed. Mustafa Jaffer

QUESTION: There is a lot of confusion what is Halal Music & what is not.Especially since Iran permits all kinds now. Any clarifications possible? Canone refer this matter to Marja other than one whos taqlid is being done (Aytollah Seestani?)

ANSWER: Ayatullah Seestani has a very clear fatwa on Music which disallows all kinds of music except military and funeral music. Mustafa Jaffer

QUESTION: Saalam Alikum I wanted to know, as to how it is possible to break asinning habit like listening to Music. At times one asks for forgiveness genuinely but commits the sin again forgetting that it is a sin. We are told in many places that once you commit a sin and then ask for forgiveness, you should not commit the same sin again. But what if it was a habit and sometimes one tries very hard to break it but being human we slip and forget and commit the sin again. >Will Allah (s.w.a) forgive such a person? Please advice soon!!

ANSWER: Breaking off of a bad habit needs firm resolution and committment(needless to say). You have been trying to give it up, but find yourself returning to the folds of Music listeners. My advice is keep on trying and one
day you will find you have given it up totally! Do not give up trying!Allah isvery very Merciful and Forgiving. He will forgive anything and your repetition of sins can also be forgiven provided you draw a line and sincerely stop. Have you sought solace in alternatives? Perhaps find something else to occupy youduring times when you get the urge to listen to Music? Try also reciting certain Duas and performing certain actions that help a person refrain from
committing sins [eg. fasting]. May the Almighty help us all from the enticements and traps of Shaytan - Amen.

Following Answers by Ayatullah Seestani

Q166: What is the limit separating lawful from unlawful music? If the criterionis its being labeled "entertainment or amusement," then this is not clear according to convention because there are differences of opinion on that.

Ans: The separating limit is its being of suitable quality for the gatherings of amusement and of immorality. (MMS, p. 28, Q53)

Q167: Also, regarding musical tunes, what is the criterion for their prohibition? Is the criterion their actual use in songs by people of immorality or is it enough for them to be suitable for such purposes? Is there any difference in situation if they are used during the commemoration of (Imam) Husayn or Islamic songs, for example, etc.?

Ans: The rule also is their being suitable for gatherings (of amusement and of immorality) and their prohibition is absolutely not lifted by using them during the commemoration or otherwise, based on precaution. (MMS, p. 28, Q54)

Q168: What is the ruling on so-called music in present customary usage?

Ans: It is of two kinds. One of them suits the places of amusement and entertainment and thus listening to it is prohibited. The other one is other than this and therefore is not prohibited. (FM, p. 437)

Q169: Some types of music are broadcast before the recitation of the noble Qur'an or the adhan, before the religious program begins or during. Is it permissible to listen to it?

Ans: The great majority of them are of the second type and thus are lawful. (FM,p. 437)

Q170: Musical interludes and music that precedes announcement of the news.

Ans: The same applies. (same answer as Q169) (FM, p. 438)

Q171: Some types of watches, in addition to specifying the time, have musical pieces for the pleasure of the owner whenever he wishes (to hear them). Is it permissible to buy and sell them (watches), or even to listen to their music?

Ans: It is permissible. (FM, p. 438)

Q172: Is it permissible to listen to religious songs?

Follow up: You mean religious phrases that are composed with musical tunes that are common amongst the people of amusement and entertainment?
Response: Yes.
Ans: It is prohibited to listen to them. The same ruling applies to all phrases that are not for pleasure and amusement -- such as supplication or dhikr --but composed with these musical tunes. (FM, p. 437)

Q173: Classical music is believed to soothe excited nerves, and is also prescribed at times for treatment of some psychological ailments. Is it permissible for me to listen to it?

Ans: Yes, it is permissible to listen to music which is not suited for the gatherings of amusement and entertainment. (FM, p. 438)

Q174: Music with pictures that is associated with television films, popular serial programs, the aim of which is to raise the degree of excitement of the viewers in accordance with the atmosphere of the film. For example, if the exhibited scene is frightening, then this music helps in prompting fear and its effect on the viewers.

Ans: The great majority of them are of the lawful type. (FM, p. 438)

Q175: Emotional and national poetry that are at times accompanied by music.

Ans: The same criterion as was previously mentioned (in Q168). (FM, p. 438)

Q176: The buying and selling of flutes, musical recordings and the like, from among the instruments of pleasure and amusement, is prohibited. However, there are instruments made for children's amusement. Is it permissible to buy and sell them?

Ans: It is permissible as long as they are not classified among the instruments of forbidden pleasure & amusement. (FM, p 411)