Question
What is the Islamic ruling on singing, qawwali, naʿt recitation, and poetry in light of the Qur’an and Sunnah?
Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ʿammā baʿd!
◄ Playing, listening, performing, and attending gatherings of music and instruments is prohibited (ḥarām).
◄ Poetry that is in accordance with the Qur’an and Sunnah is permissible and can even be praiseworthy.
◄ However, giving poetry undue importance and engaging in it to the extent that it distracts a person from the Book of Allah and the Sunnah is not permissible.
- Singing with instruments, qawwali, and such practices are impermissible.
- Naʿt and poetry are allowed as long as they align with Sharīʿah and do not cause heedlessness from religion.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب