Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.  (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

A.A. Brother Burhan, may ALLAH reward you for all that you are doing for the muslim community. I have a few questions. My final question is what if a muslim girl wants to become a singer. Is it allright for her to do so, if she promises not to wear bad clothes, not to sing songs with bad words, not to do dances, and to keep up with her prayers? Please educate me on these subjects. Jazak Allah Khair. 

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Answer:

Woman wants to become a singer

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is no one (no idol, no person, no grave, no prophet, no imam, no dai, nobody!) worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad(saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

Beloved sister in Islam, it is indeed good that you are determined to keep steadfast to the most important pillar of Islam – Prayers. It is the prayers that forms the basic foundation of Faith or Iman and prepares the believers for the observance of a life of virtue and obedience of Allah Subhanah. Prayers further provides the believers in developing Taqwa or God-Consciousness, that is:

the fear of Allah, restraint, or guarding one’s tongue, hand and heart from evil;

righteousness, piety, good conduct, and in keeping away from sins.

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 29 Surah Ankabut verse 45:Recite what is sent of the Book by inspiration to you and establish Regular Prayer: for Prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds; and remembrance of Allah is the greatest (thing in life) without doubt. And Allah knows the (deeds) that you do.

If one is determined “not to wear bad clothes, not to sing songs with bad words, not to do dances”, then these are the further guidelines which must be followed by a woman singer, in light of the Quran and Sunnah:

Songs should not contain any words that correspond to SHIRK (associating gods with Allah), or lead to SHIRK.

The words of the song should not arouse any intimate or sexual feelings or be abusive, derogating, or have any foul language.

It should not be associated with Music or sounds from musical instruments except for the ‘daff’ (a narrow drum type instrument.)

Women must not sing in the presence of non-mehram men.

Women can only sing amongst fellow women or mehram men.

The reason and wisdom behind conventional music being forbidden in Islam are many, as stated by Allah and His Messenger (saws).

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 31 Surah Luqman verse 6:But there are among men those who purchase idle talks without knowledge, to mislead (men) from the Path of Allah, and throw ridicule (on the Path): for such there will be a humiliating Penalty.

According to one of the noble companions of the Messenger of Allah (saws), Hadrat Abdulla ibn Masoud (r.a.), the phrase ‘lahwal hadeeth’ or ‘idle talks’ mentioned in the above verse means listening to songs. He swore by Allah Subhanah ten times that this verse is related to songs.

Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 7.494B Narrated by Abu Malik Al Ashari

that he heard the Prophet saying, "From among my followers there will be some people who will consider illegal sexual intercourse, the wearing of silk, the drinking of alcoholic drinks, and the use of musical instruments, as lawful.

Sunan of Abu-Dawood Hadith 4909 Narrated by Abdullah ibn Mas'ud

I heard the Messenger of Allah (saws) say: ‘Singing produces hypocrisy in the heart.’

Illegal music, to say the least, makes the heart and mind ponder with a feeling of temporary fulfillment and contentment. Whenever, there is a feeling of anxiety or disturbance or to seek pleasure, one plunges towards music, and thus get addicted to it. It further, in most cases, leads to the haram such as alcohol, gathering of mix sexes, concerts, parties, drugs, etc.

Islam allows for the permanent fulfillment and contentment to mankind through the remembrance of Allah Subhanah and Prayers. It is this act alone that can provide food to the soul and mind, and guard against any misgivings and turbulences of life.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your Brother in Islam,

Burhan