Is music forbidden in Islam? What about art, photography, and modern entertainment? Dr. Bilal Philips examines these widely debated topics in the Contemporary Issues series, clarifying the nuanced Islamic positions that many Muslims and non-Muslims alike misunderstand. Islam does not oppose beauty or creativity — it channels them toward what is beneficial and protects against what is harmful.
Music in Islam: Permitted Within Boundaries
God created human beings with a natural inclination toward melody and rhythm — a mother’s lullaby is the most primal expression of this. Islam does not prohibit music outright but restricts the harmful aspects of it. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) prohibited wind and stringed musical instruments in an authentic hadith recorded by Imam Al-Bukhari. However, folk songs, the duff (hand drum) at weddings and festivals, and melodious Quran recitation are all encouraged. The key principle is that music should not become an addiction that replaces remembrance of Allah.
“The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ‘Whoever does not sing the Quran is not of us.’ Islam encourages melodious recitation and permits celebration with the duff at weddings, but warns against music becoming a substitute for turning to God in times of need.” — Dr. Bilal Philips
Art, Photography, and Modern Media
- Photography — The classical prohibition was against creating images meant for worship or veneration. Modern photography for documentation, identification, education, and dawah purposes is widely considered permissible by contemporary scholars
- Art — Islamic civilization produced some of the world’s most breathtaking calligraphy, geometric designs, and architecture. Islam channels artistic expression away from idol-making and toward what glorifies Allah
- Television and media — The tools themselves are neutral; what matters is the content. Media used for education, dawah, and beneficial purposes is praiseworthy, while content promoting immorality is forbidden
- Islam and science — Islam fully embraces beneficial scientific advancement and technology. Islam is not opposed to science but to theories presented as facts that contradict divine revelation
“Islam is not in opposition to science. Islam will use whatever we can find in society that is beneficial — scientific principles, technology — for the benefit of human beings and their society. This is part and parcel of living.”
Islam’s approach to culture and the arts reflects its character as a balanced, practical way of life. It does not suppress human nature but guides it toward what is wholesome and productive while protecting individuals and society from the corrupting influences that unchecked entertainment inevitably produces.
