Music and Singing in the Light of the Quran and Sunnah by Abu Bilal Mustafa Al-Kanadi (Part 2)

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Critical Analysis Of The Hadeeth Literature

A meticulous, critical analysis of the relevant texts from the hadeeth literature reveals that contrary to the commonly held belief, there are a number of authentic narrations from the prophetic sunnah which clearly point to the INDISPUTABLE fact that music, instruments, singing to accompaniment, etc. are objects prohibited by the Islamic Shareeah. The exceptions to this general rule are specific, limited types of innocent singing or chanting without any instrumental accompaniment of the simple hand drum(duff) on certain occasions designated by the sunnah. Their details require discussion later.

Unfortunately, due to certain modern scholars blind imitation (taqleed) of a few earlier scholars, many Muslims entertain the misconception that all the hadeeths relating to music, singing, musical instruments, etc. are either weak(daeef) or forged(mowdoo). A critical analysis of the available hadeeth literature clearly reveals that this is an untenable position. In order to substantiate this claim and to dispel such false notions, it is necessary to quote a number of authentic traditions along with the translation of their meanings.

The translation of the hadeeth follows: "The Prophet(saw) said:

"There will be (at some future time) people from my Ummah (community of Muslims) who will seek to make lawful: fornication, the wearing of silk, wine-drinking and the use of musical instruments(ma'azif). Some people will stay at the side of the mountain and when their shepherd comes in the evening to ask them for his needs, they will say, 'Return to us tomorrow 'Then Allah will destroy them during the night by causing the mountain to fall upon them, while He changes others into apes and swine. They will remain in such a state until the Day of Resurrection"

A Critical Discussion Of The Isnaad Of The Hadeeth:

"There will be (at some future time) people from...