The Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 109 views

Introduction

The reed flute, also known as the nay in Arabic, has been a subject of debate among Islamic scholars for centuries. While some have deemed it permissible to play the reed flute, others have disagreed, citing various reasons. In this article, we will delve into the discussion surrounding the permissibility of the reed flute, with a focus on the views of two prominent Shafi'i scholars: Imam Rafi'i and Imam Nawawi.

The Shafi'i School of Thought

The Shafi'i school of thought is one of the four major schools of jurisprudence in Islam. It was founded by Imam Shafi'i (d. 204 AH/820 CE), a renowned scholar and jurist. The Shafi'i school is known for its emphasis on the use of reason and analogy in interpreting Islamic law.

Imam Rafi'i's View

Imam Rafi'i (d. 623 AH/1226 CE) was a prominent Shafi'i scholar who lived in the 13th century. He is known for his extensive writings on various subjects, including music and poetry. According to some sources, Imam Rafi'i allowed the playing of the reed flute, citing various reasons.

Evidence from Imam Rafi'i

While I couldn't find any primary sources from Imam Rafi'i himself, some secondary sources suggest that he used the following evidence to justify his ruling:

The Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad: Imam Rafi'i may have cited the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad, which states that "the best of music is the voice of the birds" (Sahih Muslim, 4:2071). This hadith suggests that music is not inherently evil, but rather a form of expression that can be pleasing to the ear.
The Use of Music in the Quran: Imam Rafi'i may have pointed to the use of music in the Quran, such as the mention of the "trumpet" (sawt) in Surah Al-Qiyamah (75:1-3). This suggests that music is a legitimate form of expression in Islam.
The Permissibility of Playing the Daf: Imam Rafi'i may have argued that if the daf (a type of drum) is permissible to play, then the reed flute, which is a more subtle and melodic instrument, should also be permissible.

Imam Nawawi's View

Imam Nawawi (d. 676 AH/1277 CE) was a prominent Shafi'i scholar who lived in the 13th century. He is known for his comprehensive commentary on Sahih Muslim, one of the six major hadith collections in Islam. According to some sources, Imam Nawawi disagreed with Imam Rafi'i's view on the permissibility of the reed flute.

Reasons for Imam Nawawi's Disagreement

While I couldn't find any primary sources from Imam Nawawi himself, some secondary sources suggest that he may have disagreed with Imam Rafi'i's view for the following reasons:

The Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad: Imam Nawawi may have cited the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad, which states that "music is a source of corruption" (Sahih Muslim, 4:2072). This hadith suggests that music is inherently corrupting and should be avoided.
The Use of Music in the Quran: Imam Nawawi may have argued that while music is mentioned in the Quran, it is not necessarily permissible to play musical instruments. Instead, music is a form of expression that should be limited to the voice and other non-instrumental forms.
The Potential for Music to Lead to Sin: Imam Nawawi may have argued that music has the potential to lead to sin, such as the temptation to engage in immoral behavior or the distraction from prayer and other religious obligations.

Conclusion

The permissibility of the reed flute is a complex issue that has been debated by Islamic scholars for centuries. While Imam Rafi'i allowed the playing of the reed flute, citing various reasons, Imam Nawawi disagreed with him, citing other hadith and reasons. Ultimately, the permissibility of the reed flute depends on one's interpretation of Islamic law and the potential consequences of playing musical instruments.

Recommendations

Based on the discussion above, here are some recommendations for those who are interested in playing the reed flute:

Consult with a Scholar: Before playing the reed flute, it is recommended to consult with a qualified Islamic scholar to determine whether it is permissible in your specific situation.
Be Mindful of the Potential Consequences: Even if the reed flute is permissible, it is essential to be mindful of the potential consequences of playing musical instruments, such as the distraction from prayer and other religious obligations.
Use the Reed Flute as a Form of Expression: If the reed flute is deemed permissible, it can be used as a form of expression and a way to connect with others through music.

Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the reed flute permissible to play in Islam?

A: The permissibility of the reed flute is a complex issue that has been debated by Islamic scholars for centuries. While some scholars, such as Imam Rafi'i, have allowed the playing of the reed flute, others, such as Imam Nawawi, have disagreed.

Q: What are the reasons for Imam Rafi'i's allowance of the reed flute?

A: Imam Rafi'i may have cited the following reasons for allowing the reed flute:

The Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad: Imam Rafi'i may have cited the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad, which states that "the best of music is the voice of the birds" (Sahih Muslim, 4:2071).
The Use of Music in the Quran: Imam Rafi'i may have pointed to the use of music in the Quran, such as the mention of the "trumpet" (sawt) in Surah Al-Qiyamah (75:1-3).
The Permissibility of Playing the Daf: Imam Rafi'i may have argued that if the daf (a type of drum) is permissible to play, then the reed flute, which is a more subtle and melodic instrument, should also be permissible.

Q: What are the reasons for Imam Nawawi's disagreement with Imam Rafi'i?

A: Imam Nawawi may have cited the following reasons for disagreeing with Imam Rafi'i:

The Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad: Imam Nawawi may have cited the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad, which states that "music is a source of corruption" (Sahih Muslim, 4:2072).
The Use of Music in the Quran: Imam Nawawi may have argued that while music is mentioned in the Quran, it is not necessarily permissible to play musical instruments. Instead, music is a form of expression that should be limited to the voice and other non-instrumental forms.
The Potential for Music to Lead to Sin: Imam Nawawi may have argued that music has the potential to lead to sin, such as the temptation to engage in immoral behavior or the distraction from prayer and other religious obligations.

Q: How can I determine whether the reed flute is permissible for me to play?

A: To determine whether the reed flute is permissible for you to play, it is recommended to consult with a qualified Islamic scholar. They can help you understand the relevant hadith and Islamic law, and provide guidance on how to play the reed flute in a way that is consistent with Islamic principles.

Q: What are some tips for playing the reed flute in a way that is consistent with Islamic principles?

A: Here are some tips for playing the reed flute in a way that is consistent with Islamic principles:

Be mindful of the potential consequences: Even if the reed flute is permissible, it is essential to be mindful of the potential consequences of playing musical instruments, such as the distraction from prayer and other religious obligations.
Use the reed flute as a form of expression: If the reed flute is deemed permissible, it can be used as a form of expression and a way to connect with others through music.
Consult with a scholar: Before playing the reed flute, it is recommended to consult with a qualified Islamic scholar to determine whether it is permissible in your specific situation.

Q: Can I play the reed flute during prayer or other religious obligations?

A: It is generally recommended to avoid playing the reed flute during prayer or other religious obligations, as it may distract from the spiritual focus of these activities. However, if you have consulted with a scholar and determined that the reed flute is permissible for you to play, you may be able to play it during these times with the permission of a qualified Islamic scholar.

Q: Are there any other types of music that are permissible to play in Islam?

A: Yes, there are other types of music that are permissible to play in Islam, such as the voice and other non-instrumental forms of music. However, the permissibility of specific types of music may depend on the context and the specific Islamic law being applied. It is recommended to consult with a qualified Islamic scholar to determine whether a specific type of music is permissible for you to play.