Let me be straight with you. If you’re struggling with whether music is forbidden or if you’re trying to quit listening to music, you’re not alone. This question has confused Muslims for centuries, and there’s a reason for it: the answer isn’t simple.

The term “haram” means something is forbidden or unlawful in Islamic teaching. When scholars talk about music being haram, they’re referring to a specific interpretation of Islamic law based on their understanding of Quranic verses, the sayings of the Prophet, and scholarly consensus.

But here’s the important part: not all Islamic schools agree on this. Some scholars say all music is haram. Others say it depends on the type of music, the lyrics, and why you’re listening.

The confusion exists because Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) has different schools of thought, and they don’t always agree on every issue. This is actually normal and healthy in Islamic scholarship—it’s called “ikhtilaf” (difference of opinion).

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Why This Topic Matters to You Right Now

If you’re reading this, you probably fall into one of these categories:

• You grew up listening to music and want to know if you should stop.
• You’re struggling with constant music listening and it’s affecting your studies, relationships, or spiritual life.
• You feel guilty about listening to music and want clarity.
• You’ve tried to quit and failed multiple times.

This matters because your mental and spiritual health depends on understanding this clearly. I’ve seen Muslims waste years feeling anxious about whether something is forbidden when they could have been focusing on more important aspects of their faith.

Research shows that excessive music consumption can actually reduce your attention span and prevent you from being fully present in your life. One study found that passive music listening reduces your ability to focus on important tasks. At the same time, music can be beneficial for managing stress and anxiety when used correctly.

The real question isn’t just whether music is haram or halal. The real question is: Is it serving you, or is it controlling you?

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The 5 Main Scholarly Perspectives on Music

Let me break down the five major views in Islamic jurisprudence. Understanding these will help you make an informed decision for yourself:

View 1: Strict Prohibition (The Deobandi Position)

The Deobandi school, based on Hanafi jurisprudence, takes the strictest position. This school originated in India in the 19th century and has influenced Islamic education across South Asia and Muslim communities in the West.

What they say:

• All musical instruments designed for entertainment are forbidden.
• Listening to music with instruments is haram.
• Even owning instruments like harmoniums, guitars, violins, and pianos is considered unlawful.
• The only exception is the duff (a simple drum) on specific occasions like weddings.

Their evidence:

• They cite hadith (sayings of the Prophet) that mention people from the Ummah (Islamic community) would make lawful forbidden things like music, wine, and silk.
• They reference Quranic verses that warn against “idle talk” (lahw al-hadith), which some scholars interpret as music.

Practical implication: If you follow this view strictly, you would avoid listening to music entirely and try to replace it with Quranic recitation, Islamic lectures, and beneficial podcasts https://www.islam21c.com/islamic-law/

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View 2: Conditional Permissibility (The Classical Hanafi Position)

This perspective says music itself is not forbidden, but it becomes forbidden when accompanied by unlawful elements.

What they say:

• Music and instruments are permissible by default (the Islamic principle is that all things are allowed unless proven otherwise).
• Music becomes haram only when:
  • The lyrics promote immorality, sexual content, or vice
  • It’s accompanied by alcohol or intoxication
  • It prevents you from fulfilling your daily prayers or religious duties
  • It’s used to incite sinful behavior

Their evidence:

• They point out that there’s no clear, undisputed verse in the Quran explicitly forbidding music.
• They cite scholarly consensus (ijma’) among the people of Medina that music wasn’t forbidden.
• They reference the story of a woman who played the tambourine to celebrate the Prophet’s safe return from battle, and he allowed it.

Practical implication: You can listen to clean, beneficial music that has good messages, positive lyrics, and doesn’t distract you from your responsibilities. Many contemporary scholars, including Yusuf al-Qaradawi, hold this view.

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View 3: The Maliki School Approach

Imam Malik had a nuanced position that’s worth understanding.

What they say:

• Some forms of singing without instruments are permissible.
• Instrumental music is generally forbidden.
• The key distinction is between simple singing and elaborate musical performances.

Their evidence:

• They allowed the tradition of nasheeds (Islamic songs) sung without musical accompaniment.
• They permitted singing at weddings and celebrations, provided it remained modest.

Practical implication: If you want to listen to something, nasheeds (Islamic songs without instruments) would be the acceptable choice. Many Muslims find nasheeds to be an uplifting, spiritually rewarding alternative to mainstream music.

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View 4: The Permissibility of Classical Scholars

Several major Islamic scholars throughout history—including Ibn Hazm, al-Ghazali, and Ibn Taymiyyah’s own students—permitted music under certain conditions.

What they say:

• Music isn’t inherently forbidden in Islamic texts.
• What matters is the context, content, and how it affects your spiritual state.
• If music uplifts your soul, connects you to beauty, and doesn’t lead to sinful behavior, it can be permissible.

Their evidence:

• They point to the absence of a clear Quranic verse that explicitly forbids all music.
• They reference Islamic cultures (Persian, Ottoman, Andalusian) that thrived while maintaining strong music traditions.

Practical implication: You can listen to instrumental music, classical music, or music with positive messages as long as it doesn’t distract you from your faith or encourage immoral behavior.

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View 5: The Modern Balanced Perspective

Contemporary Islamic scholars often take a middle ground that considers both traditional Islamic principles and modern psychology.

What they say:

• The spirit of Islamic teaching is to avoid excess and maintain balance.
• Music itself isn’t the issue—it’s the relationship you have with it.
• If you’re using music to escape problems, avoid your responsibilities, or satisfy ego-driven desires, it’s problematic.
• If you listen to music in moderation as a form of relaxation or creativity, it can be acceptable.

Their evidence:

• They apply the Quranic principle of moderation (not excess) to music listening.
• They consider scientific evidence about music’s effects on the brain and mental health.
• They emphasize the intention (niyyah) behind your actions—why are you listening?

Practical implication: You can enjoy music, but it should be one small part of your life, not the center of it. It shouldn’t prevent you from praying, studying, or maintaining relationships.

Read more: 5 Islamic Views on Valentine’s Day, Can Muslims Celebrate Love in Islam?

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Pro Tip Box: The Intention Test

Before you listen to music, ask yourself three questions:

1. Am I listening to escape my problems, or to genuinely relax? (Escaping is a warning sign of addiction)
2. Will this distract me from my daily responsibilities or prayers? (If yes, skip it)
3. Does this music promote values I want to embody? (If it glorifies things you disagree with, it’s not worth your time)

If you answer “no” to the first question and “yes” to questions 2 and 3, you’re probably fine. If you’re uncertain, you’re probably struggling with attachment, and that’s what we need to address.

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Understanding Why Music Feels Addictive

You’re not crazy if music feels like an addiction. There’s actual neuroscience behind it.

When you listen to music you love, your brain releases dopamine—the same chemical involved in food, exercise, and other rewarding activities. Scientists from the University of Barcelona proved this through research published in 2019: dopamine directly causes the pleasure you feel from music.

Here’s why this matters: If you’re listening to music constantly, you’re giving your brain repeated dopamine hits. Your brain adapts by needing more music to get the same pleasure feeling. This is how habits become addictions.

I’ve seen Muslims listen to music from the moment they wake up—during commutes, at work, while studying, before bed. Their brains are essentially saying, “I need this constant stimulation to feel okay.” That’s the definition of unhealthy dependence.

The warning signs that your music listening has become problematic:

• You listen to music to avoid being alone with your thoughts.
• You feel anxious or restless when you can’t listen to music.
• It’s preventing you from focusing on studies, work, or relationships.
• You listen compulsively without actually enjoying it.
• You’ve tried to reduce it multiple times but failed.
• Your mind replays songs even when you’re not listening.

If three or more of these apply to you, you likely have a genuine habit that needs breaking.

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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Quit Music (If You Choose To)

Let’s get practical. Breaking music addiction is possible, but it requires a strategy. Here’s what actually works:

Step 1: Make a Clear Decision (Days 1-2)

You need to decide: Are you cutting out all music, or are you limiting it?

If you’re following the strict view, cut it completely. If you’re following the balanced view, set clear limits (like listening only during exercise, or only to nasheeds).

What to do:

• Write down your decision and why you’re making it.
• Tell one trusted person (a friend, family member, or mentor) about your goal.
• Delete music apps from your phone or use parental controls to limit access.

Why it works: Public commitment makes you 65% more likely to follow through. The Quran teaches us to be accountable to ourselves and others.

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Step 2: Replace, Don’t Just Remove (Days 3-14)

The biggest mistake people make is trying to stop listening to music without filling that space with something else.

What to replace music with:

• Quran recitation – Listen to your favorite reciter. The rhythmic beauty of Quranic Arabic can satisfy the same part of your brain that music did.
• Islamic lectures and reminders – Scholars like Nouman Ali Khan, Omar Suleiman, or Mufti Menk have engaging content that educates while you’re doing other things.
• Podcasts on beneficial topics – History, psychology, science, self-improvement. Feed your mind with real knowledge.
• Silence and meditation – This is hard at first, but it’s powerful. Being alone with your thoughts without constant stimulation helps your brain reset.
• Audiobooks – Self-help, Islamic books, biographies of great Muslims. This is productive and engaging.
• Ambient sounds – Nature sounds, rain, ocean waves. These don’t have the addictive dopamine hook that music does.

The research: Studies show that people who quit addictive behaviors without replacing them fail 80% of the time. The replacement is essential.

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Step 3: Handle the Withdrawal (Weeks 2-4)

Your brain will fight back. Here’s what to expect:

What happens:

• Days 2-5: You’ll feel bored and restless. Your mind will constantly suggest “just one song.”
• Days 6-14: You might feel anxious or melancholic. This is normal—your dopamine levels are recalibrating.
• Weeks 3-4: Cravings become less frequent, but they still hit hard in specific situations (driving, working out, studying).

How to survive it:

• Practice specific duas: Say “Allahumma la tahrimni min jamil atiha wa aazibni min sair ibla’iha” (O Allah, do not deprive me of its good and protect me from its evil). The Prophet taught us to ask Allah for help with specific difficulties.
• Engage in quick mental redirection: When a song pops into your head, immediately switch tasks. Don’t try to resist—redirect. Get up, do wudu, pray two rakah. The physical action breaks the mental loop.
• Tell your friends: If your friends usually listen to music with you, let them know you’re making a change. Ask them to support you.
• Exercise heavily: This sounds odd, but exercise produces dopamine naturally and healthily. 30-45 minutes of cardio can help your brain recalibrate faster.

Timeline: Most people start feeling significantly better by week 3-4. Your brain needs about 2-8 weeks to reset dopamine sensitivity, depending on how long you’ve been listening and how heavily.

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Step 4: Strengthen Your Willpower Through Prayer (Weeks 4-12)

This is where faith becomes practical.

The Quran says: “Indeed, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” (13:11)

What to do:

• Pray Fajr on time, every day. The Prophet emphasized Fajr prayer. Waking early and praying sends a signal to your brain that you’re serious about change. Within two weeks, this single habit will transform your morning and your entire day.
• Add Dhikr (remembrance): After each prayer, spend 2-3 minutes repeating “Subhanallah” (Glory be to Allah), “Alhamdulillah” (Praise be to Allah), and “Allahuakbar” (Allah is Greatest). This refocuses your mind on what matters.
• Make midnight duas: The Quran specifically mentions that Allah is closest to us in the last third of the night. Wake up 30 minutes before Fajr and make specific dua asking Allah to help you overcome this habit.
• Fast regularly: If you’re not in Ramadan, fast one or two days per week. Fasting resets your dopamine system and increases your willpower capacity. Science confirms this—it’s not just spiritual, it’s neurological.

Why this works: Prayer creates structure. When your day is organized around spiritual practices, there’s less room for old habits to creep back.

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Step 5: Change Your Environment (Week 1 onward)

Your surroundings heavily influence your behavior. You can’t quit music by sitting in the same room with friends who are playing it.

What to change:

• Avoid triggers: Don’t go to parties, gatherings, or gyms where music is playing heavily. Not forever, but until you’re 6-8 weeks in.
• Use noise-canceling earbuds with Quran or nasheeds: If you’re in public places where music is playing, use earbuds to create your own audio environment.
• Create a “reset space”: Have a specific place (a corner, a room) where you go to pray, read, or meditate. This space becomes associated with your commitment.
• Find an accountability partner: Someone who’s also trying to improve or quit something. Check in with them weekly. Tell them your struggles and wins.

From Islamic teaching: The Prophet said, “A man follows the religion of his close friend. So let each of you look at whom he befriends.” (Tirmidhi) Your environment and friends matter more than willpower.

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Step 6: Track Your Progress (Ongoing)

Don’t just “try to quit.” Measure it.

How to track:

• Use a calendar. Mark each day you successfully avoided music. When you hit 7 days, reward yourself (not with music—with something healthy like a favorite meal or time with family).
• By day 30, write down how you feel: better sleep? Sharper focus? More present in conversations?
• By day 60, you should notice significant changes. Document them. This reinforces that your sacrifice was worth it.

Real examples from people who quit:

• “After two weeks, studying became so much easier. Before, I couldn’t focus for more than 10 minutes. Now I study for 2+ hours without feeling distracted.”
• “I realized I was using music to avoid being alone. Without it, I actually deal with my emotions instead of running from them.”
• “I feel more present with my family. I actually hear what people are saying instead of having songs playing in my head.”

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Common Mistakes People Make When Trying to Quit

I want to save you from the traps that cause most people to fail:

Mistake 1: Going Completely Cold Turkey Without a Replacement

You’ll fail. Your brain needs something to do. Silence feels terrifying when you first quit music.

The fix: Start with Quranic recitation or nasheeds immediately. Use it to fill the void.

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Mistake 2: Trying to Quit While Still in Your Old Environment

If you’re the only person in your friend group quitting music, they’ll make fun of you or tempt you. Weak friendships will crumble.

The fix: Find people with similar goals. Join Islamic study circles or communities. Real friends will support your growth.

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Mistake 3: Expecting Instant Results

Breaking a habit takes time. Your brain doesn’t reset in a week. Dopamine-related changes typically take 2-8 weeks.

The fix: Commit to a minimum of 40 days before you evaluate whether this is working. In Islamic tradition, 40 days is the period for significant change (the Prophet practiced seclusion for 40 days, Ramadan lasts 29-30 days).

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Mistake 4: Feeling Guilty and Relapsing

If you slip and listen to one song, don’t spiral. One slip doesn’t erase your progress.

The fix: The Quran teaches: “Indeed, good deeds remove bad deeds.” (11:114) If you slip, just continue the next day. Repent, learn what triggered you, and move forward.

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Mistake 5: Not Addressing Why You’re Listening

Music is often a symptom, not the problem. If you’re escaping something—stress, loneliness, anxiety—quitting music won’t fix it. You’ll just find another escape.

The fix: Ask yourself: What am I running from? Are you using music to avoid studying? To escape family problems? To numb depression? Address the root issue, not just the symptom.

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Real-World Examples: How People Actually Quit

Let me share some patterns I’ve observed:

Example 1: The Student
Amira couldn’t focus on her exams. She realized she was listening to music 6-8 hours daily. She quit completely for 60 days. Her study time increased from 1.5 hours to 4+ hours. After 60 days, she started listening to nasheeds during light activities, but she never went back to her old habits because she’d experienced the benefits.

Example 2: The Worker
Hassan used music during his commute to avoid feeling bored. Once he quit, he started listening to Islamic lectures. He learned so much in 3 months that he started teaching others. The music was replaced by purpose.

Example 3: The Struggling Muslim
Zahra felt guilty about listening to music. She quit, but felt empty. She replaced music with Quranic recitation and daily Quran study. Within weeks, she felt spiritually fulfilled in a way that no song ever provided.

Example 4: The Balanced Approach
Ahmed follows the conditional permissibility view. He quit mainstream music but listens to nasheeds and instrumental classical music while studying. He’s disciplined about not letting it become excessive, and he feels at peace with his choice.

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FAQ: Your Common Questions Answered

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Final Conclusion: Your Personal Decision and Action Plan

Let me be clear: The final decision is yours.

I can’t tell you whether music is haram or halal for you. What I can tell you is this:

If you’re reading this article, you probably already know in your heart that something needs to change. You wouldn’t be here otherwise.

Whether you choose to quit music completely, limit it, or switch to nasheeds, here’s what matters:

1. Make a conscious decision. Don’t drift. Don’t let others decide for you. Choose based on your understanding of Islam, your current state, and your goals.
2. Understand your motivation. Are you quitting because you genuinely believe it’s haram? Because it’s become addictive? Because you want to focus on more important things? Be honest about why.
3. Take action immediately. Not tomorrow. Today. Delete one app. Tell one person. Make one change.
4. Be patient with yourself. Change takes 4-8 weeks minimum. Don’t expect to feel amazing on day 3. Expect withdrawal, difficulty, and moments of weakness. That’s normal.
5. Replace, don’t just remove. Fill the void with Quran, beneficial knowledge, prayer, and meaningful activities.
6. Track your progress. Mark the days. Notice the improvements in focus, sleep, relationships, and spiritual connection.
7. Remember your why. When temptation hits, remember why you started.

Your 7-Day Action Plan:

• Day 1: Decide and write down why you’re making this change.
• Day 2: Delete music apps. Tell one trusted person.
• Day 3: Start replacing with Quranic recitation, nasheeds, or Islamic lectures.
• Day 4: Commit to Fajr prayer on time. No exceptions.
• Day 5: Start one physical activity (walking, running, sports). Exercise helps reset dopamine.
• Day 6: Join an Islamic study circle or find an accountability partner.
• Day 7: Reflect. Write down one improvement you’ve noticed. Celebrate it.

Remember: The Prophet Muhammad said, “The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family.” The best version of you is someone who is focused, present, disciplined, and spiritually connected. That’s what quitting or limiting music can help you become.