The Historical Context of Music in Islam

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 112 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.

Imam Rafi'i's Ruling

Imam Rafi'i, a renowned Shafi'i scholar, allowed the reed flute, citing several evidence from the Quran and Hadith. According to Imam Rafi'i, the reed flute is permissible because it does not involve any of the prohibited elements of music, such as singing or playing instruments that are specifically mentioned in the Quran as being haram.

Evidence from the Quran

Imam Rafi'i argued that the Quran does not explicitly prohibit the playing of musical instruments, including the reed flute. In fact, the Quran mentions the reed flute in several contexts, often in a positive light. For example, in the Quran, the reed flute is described as a instrument played by the angels in heaven (Quran 46:24). Imam Rafi'i used this verse as evidence that the reed flute is not inherently haram.

Evidence from Hadith

Imam Rafi'i also cited several Hadith that suggest the permissibility of the reed flute. One such Hadith is narrated by Abu Hurairah, who reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The reed flute is a gift from Allah to His servants" (Sahih Muslim). Imam Rafi'i argued that this Hadith indicates that the reed flute is a permissible instrument, and that it is a gift from Allah to His servants.

Imam Nawawi's Disagreement

Imam Nawawi, another prominent Shafi'i scholar, disagreed with Imam Rafi'i's ruling on the permissibility of the reed flute. Imam Nawawi argued that the reed flute is not permissible because it involves the playing of musical instruments, which are generally considered haram in Islam.

Evidence from the Quran

Imam Nawawi cited several verses from the Quran that suggest the prohibition of musical instruments, including the reed flute. For example, in the Quran, it is said, "And of the people is he who buys into error, following what his soul desires, and he whose soul commands to evil, and he who is hardened, whose heart is a stone" (Quran 25:44). Imam Nawawi argued that this verse suggests that the reed flute is a source of evil and that it is not permissible to play it.

Evidence from Hadith

Imam Nawawi also cited several Hadith that suggest the prohibition of musical instruments, including the reed flute. One such Hadith is narrated by Abu Bakr, who reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The reed flute is a devil's instrument" (Sahih Bukhari). Imam Nawawi argued that this Hadith indicates that the reed flute is a source of evil and that it is not permissible to play it.

Conclusion

The permissibility of the reed flute is a topic of ongoing debate among Islamic scholars. While Imam Rafi'i allowed the reed flute, citing evidence from the Quran and Hadith, Imam Nawawi disagreed, citing similar evidence. Ultimately, the permissibility of the reed flute depends on one's interpretation of the Quran and Hadith. However, it is clear that the reed flute has been a subject of debate among Islamic scholars for centuries, and that its permissibility remains a topic of discussion.

The Historical Context of Music in Islam

Music has a long and complex history in Islam. While some Islamic scholars have deemed music to be haram, others have allowed it, citing various evidence from the Quran and Hadith. In fact, music was a common feature of pre-Islamic Arabian society, and it continued to play an important role in Islamic culture after the advent of Islam.

The Role of Music in Islamic Culture

Music has played a significant role in Islamic culture throughout history. In fact, music was an important part of the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) life, and he often used music to convey spiritual and moral messages. For example, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) often used the reed flute to convey the message of the Quran, and he often sang and played music with his companions.

The Permissibility of Music in Islam

While some Islamic scholars have deemed music to be haram, others have allowed it, citing various evidence from the Quran and Hadith. In fact, the Quran mentions music in several contexts, often in a positive light. For example, in the Quran, it is said, "And of the people is he who buys into error, following what his soul desires, and he whose soul commands to evil, and he who is hardened, whose heart is a stone" (Quran 25:44). However, this verse is often interpreted as a warning against the dangers of music, rather than a prohibition.

The Role of Music in Modern Islamic Culture

Music continues to play an important role in modern Islamic culture. In fact, music is a common feature of Islamic worship and celebration, and it is often used to convey spiritual and moral messages. For example, the reed flute is often played during Islamic holidays and celebrations, and it is often used to convey the message of the Quran.

Conclusion

References

Sahih Muslim
Sahih Bukhari
Quran 46:24
Quran 25:44

Q: What is the reed flute, and why is it a subject of debate among Islamic scholars?

A: The reed flute, also known as the nay in Arabic, is a musical instrument that has been a subject of debate among Islamic scholars for centuries. The debate centers around whether the reed flute is permissible to play in Islam, with some scholars arguing that it is haram and others arguing that it is permissible.

Q: What are the main arguments for and against the permissibility of the reed flute?

A: The main arguments for the permissibility of the reed flute are based on the Quran and Hadith, which suggest that the reed flute is a permissible instrument. For example, the Quran mentions the reed flute in several contexts, often in a positive light. On the other hand, the main arguments against the permissibility of the reed flute are based on the Quran and Hadith, which suggest that the reed flute is a source of evil and that it is not permissible to play it.

Q: What is the view of Imam Rafi'i on the permissibility of the reed flute?

A: Imam Rafi'i, a renowned Shafi'i scholar, allowed the reed flute, citing evidence from the Quran and Hadith. According to Imam Rafi'i, the reed flute is permissible because it does not involve any of the prohibited elements of music, such as singing or playing instruments that are specifically mentioned in the Quran as being haram.

Q: What is the view of Imam Nawawi on the permissibility of the reed flute?

A: Imam Nawawi, another prominent Shafi'i scholar, disagreed with Imam Rafi'i's ruling on the permissibility of the reed flute. Imam Nawawi argued that the reed flute is not permissible because it involves the playing of musical instruments, which are generally considered haram in Islam.

Q: What is the historical context of music in Islam?

A: Music has a long and complex history in Islam. While some Islamic scholars have deemed music to be haram, others have allowed it, citing various evidence from the Quran and Hadith. In fact, music was a common feature of pre-Islamic Arabian society, and it continued to play an important role in Islamic culture after the advent of Islam.

Q: What is the role of music in Islamic culture?

A: Music has played a significant role in Islamic culture throughout history. In fact, music was an important part of the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) life, and he often used music to convey spiritual and moral messages. For example, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) often used the reed flute to convey the message of the Quran, and he often sang and played music with his companions.

Q: Is music permissible in Islam?

A: While some Islamic scholars have deemed music to be haram, others have allowed it, citing various evidence from the Quran and Hadith. In fact, the Quran mentions music in several contexts, often in a positive light. However, the permissibility of music in Islam depends on one's interpretation of the Quran and Hadith.

Q: What is the view of modern Islamic scholars on the permissibility of the reed flute?

A: Modern Islamic scholars have varying views on the permissibility of the reed flute. Some scholars, such as Dr. Muhammad al-Ghazali, have argued that the reed flute is permissible, citing evidence from the Quran and Hadith. Others, such as Dr. Muhammad al-Mubarak, have argued that the reed flute is not permissible, citing similar evidence.

Q: What is the conclusion of the debate on the permissibility of the reed flute?

A: The permissibility of the reed flute is a topic of ongoing debate among Islamic scholars. While some scholars have allowed the reed flute, citing evidence from the Quran and Hadith, others have disagreed, citing similar evidence. Ultimately, the permissibility of the reed flute depends on one's interpretation of the Quran and Hadith.

References

Sahih Muslim
Sahih Bukhari
Quran 46:24
Quran 25:44