Najafi Q&A: singing and music

Answer

In the name of Allah, my son, be informed that music comes in various forms: Some serve as symbols for broadcasting. Some are military music used to instill enthusiasm in soldiers. Some are soundtrack music, which often accompanies visual presentations on television and elsewhere to evoke a specific mood in the viewer. Some are sad music used for treating certain illnesses and calming nerves; some doctors use it to treat patients with nervous conditions, and all of these are permissible. However, music that is arranged and coordinated in the style of singing and often accompanies songs is the type that should be avoided. As for selling, if it is known that they are instruments of unlawful amusement only, then neither it is permissible, nor is it permissible to use them for amusement purposes, as mentioned. And Allah knows best.

Answer

In the name of Allah, my son, be informed that music comes in various forms: Some serve as symbols for broadcasting. Some are military music used to instill enthusiasm in soldiers. Some are soundtrack music, which often accompanies visual presentations on television and elsewhere to evoke a specific mood in the viewer. Some are sad music used for treating certain illnesses and calming nerves; some doctors use it to treat patients with nervous conditions, and all of these are permissible. However, music that is arranged and coordinated in the style of singing and often accompanies songs is the type that should be avoided. As for selling, if it is known that they are instruments of unlawful amusement only, then neither it is permissible, nor is it permissible to use them for amusement purposes, as mentioned. And Allah knows best.