Is It Permissible to Learn and Play the Flute?

Question

Is learning the flute and subsequently taking the view of Imam Rafi’i (Allah have mercy on him) on its permissibility permissible, or is it a major sin?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.

Some types of music are unlawful by consensus. Other types have been differed about by the Scholars of Islam. When there are differences of opinion among the leading scholars of Islam, these differences should be respected and allow for some flexibility within Sacred Law.

Considering the above, one may adopt a more precautionary approach by avoiding matters for which there are differences or practicing them with caution not to transgress the limits. It is crucial to maintain respect and tolerance for the alternate approach, whichever approach one selects, and Allah knows best.

We advise that you consider the following Prophetic teaching when you decide. Sayyidina Hasan Ibn ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I memorized from the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace): “Leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not make you doubt, for the truth leads to reassurance and lies lead to uncertainty.” [Tirmidhi; Ahmad; Ibn Hibban]

Shafiʿi School on Music

Imam al-Nawawi states in Minhaj al‐Talibin: Singing without musical accompaniment is makruh, as is listening to it. It is haram to use an instrument that is characteristic of those who consume intoxicants, such as the tunbur (an instrument resembling the mandolin), the ‘ud (lute), the sanj (cymbal), the ‘Iraqi mizmar (a type of flute), but not the yura‘ (flute). (This exception is the view of Imam al‐Rafi’i. Imam al‐Nawawi disagrees with him, saying:) I say: It (the yura‘) is also unlawful (haram) according to the more correct opinion. According to the more correct view, it is allowed for weddings and circumcision ceremonies, and other (similar) occasions, even if it may have tiny cymbals. It is unlawful to beat the kubah, a tall drum with a narrow middle. [Shirbini, Mughni al-Muhtaj]

Individual Scholars Who Permitted Music (Within Limits)

Contending that the evidence for the prohibition of music is either weak, ambiguous, or both, scholars such as al-Qadi Abu Bakr Ibn al- ‘Arabi, Imam Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali, Ibn An-Nahwi, Ibn Tahir, Ibn Hazm, and Shaykh Yusuf al-Qaradawi.

While the above individual scholars permitted music, their strict rules (such as lawful lyrics and rhythms which do not “intoxicate”) should always be considered. Many contemporary scholars hold this view, which is probably easier in light of current circumstances, and Allah knows best.

Music Outside of Our Control

Concerning music beyond our control, such as computer sounds and what we hear in passing, one has no control over the actions of others and will not be held accountable by Allah for their deeds. Allah says: “And every soul earns not (blame) except against itself, and no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another.” [Quran 6:164]

The Music We Can Control

The Prophet (may Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “Whosoever of you sees (or hears) an evil, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then (let him change it) with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart — and that is the weakest of faith.” [Muslim]

Contemporary Music

Most contemporary popular music is unlawful to listen to because they predominantly contain unlawful lyrics and keep one away from the remembrance of Allah. [Baig, Slippery Stone]

We, therefore, urge you to practice caution even when relying on the view that allows some forms of music, and Allah knows best.

I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.