Is It Permissible to Make or Wear Ornaments Shaped like Musical Instruments?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

Is it permissible to make or wear ornaments shaped like musical instruments, such as violin pendants or rings with a violin design?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the All Merciful, the Especially Merciful

In the Shafi‘i School, the prohibition on musical instruments would not be extended to ornaments merely resembling them. Therefore, it is technically permissible to make or wear items such as pendants or rings in the shape of a violin or similar instruments.

That said, a Muslim’s heart and taste should not be drawn to the outward forms of things that the Sacred Law prohibits in essence. Out of reverence for the Divine Command, one should avoid being enamored with symbols associated with what is impermissible, just as it would be unbecoming to adorn oneself with ornaments shaped like items linked to drinking or gambling.

Allah Most High says: “And whoever honors the symbols of Allah, indeed, it is from the piety of hearts.” [Quran, 22:32]

In short, although these ornaments are not inherently unlawful, it is spiritually more appropriate to align one’s aesthetic sense with what represents purity, dignity, and remembrance of Allah.

Allah knows best

[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 (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, 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 been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town. He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, 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 Prophetic living and fitness.