What is the ruling on playing musical instruments involving strings, pipes, and flutes?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Testimonies
Primary text
The playing of stringed instruments, pipes, flutes, the 'ud (lute), 'tanbur' (long-necked lute), 'mi'zafa' (a type of stringed instrument), and the 'rabab' (rebec) are strictly forbidden (muharram). Continuous listening to these instruments invalidates a person's testimony. This prohibition is based on a narration attributed to the Prophet, peace be upon him, listing the public display of musical instruments among fifteen characteristics that signify tribulation befalling the Ummah. Furthermore, a narration from the Prophet states that God commanded the elimination of musical instruments, prohibiting their sale, purchase, teaching, and trade, deeming their price unlawful. This prohibition specifically targets those who strike them.
Supporting text
Some scholars used a narration where Ibn Umar plugged his ears upon hearing a flute and distanced himself, while asking Nafi' if he heard anything, as evidence permitting the flute. They argued that if it were forbidden, the Prophet would have stopped Ibn Umar from listening, and Ibn Umar would have stopped Nafi' or rebuked the player. This argument is refuted because listening (istima') is distinguished from mere hearing (sama'); one is intentional, the other is not. Furthermore, Ibn Umar's action might have been necessitated by his need to know when the sound ceased so he could safely return to the path, or it occurred during a time when enjoining good was not yet obligatory due to the large number of disbelievers.