THE RULING ON USING MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT TO GATHER PEOPLE FOR THE PURPOSE OF DA’WAH

By Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 728)

An enlightening piece authored by the tremendous Scholar of the middle-ages of Islaam, Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah. A scholarly approach to the topic is made, establishing the basis of the argument from the book and the Sunnah, the Shaykh then exposes the faults and corruption in the proposed practise of using music to gather the people towards Allah.

…the fact that those who understand these innovated musical gatherings to be a valid means unto Allah, give precedence to these gatherings over gatherings in which the Qurʾān is recited, pondered and thus reflected upon. It is also possible that these individuals intentionally gave precedence to music over the Qurʾān, to the extent that they would only listen to the Qurʾān with heedless hearts, mimicking tongues, wavering actions, voices deemed unacceptable to the hearts, and dispositions that are not comforted by its recitation.Thus, it is mandatory to expose falsehood and defend the da’wah whilst you are busy propagating the call –and all praise belongs to Allaah. However, we do not want ourselves to become preoccupied with refuting this person and that person as this is what they desire for us to do. We occupy ourselves with calling to Allaah and in the course of the sermons (khutab) or talks we refute those who are intent on hindering people from good.

Allaah the Exalted said,

“Say O Muhammad: “This is my way; I invite unto Allâh (i.e. to the Oneness of Allâh – Islâmic Monotheism) with sure knowledge, I and whosoever follows me.” (Soorah Yoosef: 108)