❀ Shariah Ruling on Background Sound with Quranic Verses ❀
✍ Written by: Ḥāfiẓ Khizr Ḥayāt
In recent times, there has been a significant increase in the use of background sound in Islamic content, including during the recitation of Quranic verses. From a Shariah perspective, this issue should be understood by considering the following two aspects:
① General use of background sound
② Use of background sound with Quranic verses
A universal and singular ruling cannot be issued on this matter. Each audio or video must be individually assessed according to the following Islamic guidelines:
✔ The use of permissible (ḥalāl) sounds is allowed.
✘ The use of impermissible (ḥarām) sounds is strictly prohibited.
➤ The context and content of the media must be considered for a ruling.
With the rise of digital tools and media, various new forms of misguidance and spiritual harm have emerged. For example:
Sounds and musical tones once unanimously considered harām are now being incorporated into Islamic content like ḥamd, naʿt, and nasheeds.
This growing trend calls for careful and informed evaluation.
✔ Humming may sometimes directly fall under the category of music.
✔ Even if not actual music, if it closely resembles it, the ruling remains the same.
✔ The only difference between music and humming may be the instruments used,
yet both have equally harmful effects on the heart and mind.
✔ Thus, Shariah equates them in ruling.
Some nasheeds or humming sounds use religious melodies or instruments of non-Muslims.
It is impermissible to incorporate such foreign spiritual expressions.
✔ Alternatives such as natural sounds (e.g., birdsong) can be used,
but even these should not be manipulated into musical form.
Special caution must be exercised when adding any sound effects during the recitation of the Qur'an:
✔ Ensure no form of disrespect occurs toward the Qur'an.
✔ Avoid creating distraction or lack of focus during the recitation.
✔ Content producers and editors must honor the sanctity of the Qur’an at all times.
Produce content aligned with Islamic manners and values.
Select background sounds that conform to Shariah guidelines.
Do not rely on non-Muslim-produced media, as they may lack respect for Islamic etiquette.
The use of background sound in Islamic media—especially with Quranic verses—demands deep reflection and caution. Upholding Islamic principles and maintaining the reverence of the Qur’an should always be the top priority in any audio-visual production.
✍ Written by: Ḥāfiẓ Khizr Ḥayāt
❖ The Use of Background Sound in Islamic Videos and Channels
In recent times, there has been a significant increase in the use of background sound in Islamic content, including during the recitation of Quranic verses. From a Shariah perspective, this issue should be understood by considering the following two aspects:
① General use of background sound
② Use of background sound with Quranic verses
❖ General Principle
A universal and singular ruling cannot be issued on this matter. Each audio or video must be individually assessed according to the following Islamic guidelines:
✔ The use of permissible (ḥalāl) sounds is allowed.
✘ The use of impermissible (ḥarām) sounds is strictly prohibited.
➤ The context and content of the media must be considered for a ruling.
❖ Challenges Posed by Modern Technology
With the rise of digital tools and media, various new forms of misguidance and spiritual harm have emerged. For example:
Sounds and musical tones once unanimously considered harām are now being incorporated into Islamic content like ḥamd, naʿt, and nasheeds. This growing trend calls for careful and informed evaluation.❖ Background Sound Effects and Their Shariah Ruling
◈ Humming and Its Resemblance to Music:
✔ Humming may sometimes directly fall under the category of music.
✔ Even if not actual music, if it closely resembles it, the ruling remains the same.
✔ The only difference between music and humming may be the instruments used,
yet both have equally harmful effects on the heart and mind.
✔ Thus, Shariah equates them in ruling.
◈ Non-Islamic Religious Instruments and Sounds:
Some nasheeds or humming sounds use religious melodies or instruments of non-Muslims. It is impermissible to incorporate such foreign spiritual expressions.✔ Alternatives such as natural sounds (e.g., birdsong) can be used,
but even these should not be manipulated into musical form.
❖ Use of Sound Effects with Quranic Verses
Special caution must be exercised when adding any sound effects during the recitation of the Qur'an:
✔ Ensure no form of disrespect occurs toward the Qur'an.
✔ Avoid creating distraction or lack of focus during the recitation.
✔ Content producers and editors must honor the sanctity of the Qur’an at all times.
❖ Guidance for Islamic Editors
Produce content aligned with Islamic manners and values. Select background sounds that conform to Shariah guidelines. Do not rely on non-Muslim-produced media, as they may lack respect for Islamic etiquette.❖ Conclusion
The use of background sound in Islamic media—especially with Quranic verses—demands deep reflection and caution. Upholding Islamic principles and maintaining the reverence of the Qur’an should always be the top priority in any audio-visual production.
