Can You Listen to Music During Ramadan?
Ramadan comes quietly every year, but it leaves a deep impression on the heart. The feel of the air changes. The days feel long. The nights seem soft and peaceful. From Suhoor to Iftar, every moment is connected with intention. I have spent Ramadan in crowded streets, in small mosques, in quiet rooms, and in the kitchen of my home with my family. One question that comes up again and again, especially in the hearts of the youth and those learning the religion, is whether it is permissible to listen to music during Ramadan?
This question is not just a yes or no. It involves faith, intention, habit, and the state of the heart. To understand this, we must first know what Ramadan really wants from us.
The true spirit of Ramadan
Ramadan is not just about being hungry and thirsty. Ramadan is also a fast of the heart, a fast of the tongue, a fast of the eyes and ears. The purpose of this month is piety, that is, remembering Allah at all times and keeping His feeling alive in the heart.
When we walk to the mosque during Ramadan, the streets seem quiet. People speak softly. They treat each other with kindness. This is the atmosphere that Ramadan wants to teach us. It becomes necessary to stop and think about anything that takes the heart away from the remembrance of Allah.
Why does the question of music arise?
Music affects the human heart. Sometimes it brings joy, sometimes it brings back memories, and sometimes it makes emotions run wild. That is why scholars have discussed music for centuries.
The real question is not about the sound, but about its effect. Some music soothes, some awakens desires, and some contains words that are against Islamic teachings. During Ramadan, a person is encouraged to protect his senses more.
Scholars’ opinions on music
Islamic scholars do not have a single opinion on this issue. This is very important to understand. There are differences of opinion in religion, but the goal of all is the same, the pleasure of Allah.
First Opinion: Music is not permissible
Many ancient scholars say that music, especially with instruments, is not permissible. They argue in the light of the Quran and Hadith that useless things distract a person from the remembrance of Allah.
According to this opinion, listening to music during Ramadan is even more undesirable, because this month is special for the Quran, prayer and worship.
Second Opinion: The center and center of music is on its effect
Some scholars say that not all types of music are the same. Simple voices, naats without instruments or words that do not contain anything wrong may be less harmful.
According to them, the problem is not the music but its effect. If something distracts one from prayer, leads to sin or makes the heart restless, then it is better to avoid it during Ramadan.
Third Opinion: Intention and personal responsibility
Some scholars emphasize that during Ramadan, a person voluntarily gives up even things that are permissible during normal days, in order to get closer to Allah.
According to this thinking, even if something is permissible, giving it up during Ramadan can lead to greater reward.
Importance of intention
In Islam, intention is of great importance. Two people do the same thing, but one gets the reward and the other does not. This difference is due to intention.
The heart softens during Ramadan. I have sat in silence many times after Fajr and listened to the soft sounds of the city. There is a strange peace in this silence. At that time, it feels that perhaps we do not need any sound all the time.
Does music break the fast?
This question is very common. Listening to music does not break the fast. It does not invalidate the fast like eating and drinking.
But fasting is not just about the body. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said that fasting protects a person from bad deeds and bad words. If something weakens this intention, the reward of fasting may be reduced.
Ramadan teaches self-control
Ramadan teaches us restraint. When we can refrain from eating and drinking for several hours, we can also control our habits.
Music often becomes a habit. Silence is not tolerated. Ramadan teaches us that there can be peace even in silence. Hunger, gratitude and trust in Allah are the message of Ramadan.
Alternatives to music in Ramadan
Many Muslims choose other good things instead of music during Ramadan.
Recitation of the Quran
Listening to the Quran brings peace to the heart. Even if the meaning is not fully understood, the sound still touches the heart. Gradually, the relationship with Allah becomes stronger.
Naats without instruments
If complete silence seems difficult, then naats without instruments can be a better way. They also keep the environment pure.
Silence and contemplation
Silence can also become worship. Ramadan teaches us not to be busy all the time. Take time for prayer, thinking and cleansing the heart.
Culture and spirituality
In many societies, music is a part of everyday life. These habits become a test during Ramadan. Here, a person has to decide for himself.
Ask your heart. Is this thing bringing me closer to Allah or further away? The truth lies in this question.
Children and youth
Parents are often worried about their children. Ramadan is not about being strict, it is about love and understanding.
Tell children stories from the Quran, gently explain the beauty of Ramadan. Habits change gradually.
Social media and music
Nowadays, music is everywhere. Videos, advertisements, short clips. It can be difficult to avoid it completely.
Ramadan is not a month of perfection, it is a month of effort. Reduce it as much as possible. This intention is enough.
Also Read: Shab-e-Barat Ultimate Guide, Significance, Date & 2026 Facts
Personal experience
I have seen Ramadans where music was playing, and also those where there was complete silence. A quiet Ramadan has a greater impact on the heart. Prayers are heartwarming. The nights feel special.
It is not necessary that everyone is the same. Ramadan itself gradually teaches us to give up unnecessary things.
So can we listen to music during Ramadan?
The truth is that there is disagreement on this issue. Music does not break the fast, but Ramadan is an opportunity to elevate the heart.
Most scholars advise avoiding music during Ramadan so that the heart is safe and the heart is interested in worship.
The decision to improve Ramadan
Don’t ask what is permissible, but think about what is better. Ramadan is very precious. Its nights are very special.
If giving up music for a month brings peace, focus, and closeness to Allah, then this deal is not expensive.
The last thing
Ramadan is a guest. It comes quickly and leaves quickly. How we spend it is the real issue.
Listening to music during Ramadan is not just a jurisprudential question, it is a question of the heart. Every heart knows what brings it closer to Allah.
Choose what strengthens your fast, not just hunger. When Ramadan is over, the change in the heart is success.
FAQs
Is listening to music in Ramadan allowed?
There is a difference of opinion among scholars. Some scholars consider music not permissible, while others say it depends on its content and effect. Many scholars advise avoiding music during Ramadan to focus more on worship and remembrance of Allah.
What is forbidden during Ramadan?
During Ramadan, eating and drinking from dawn to sunset are forbidden while fasting. Bad speech, lying, backbiting, anger, and sinful actions are also strongly discouraged because they reduce the reward of fasting.
What music can you listen to in Ramadan?
Many scholars suggest avoiding music completely during Ramadan. Some allow simple vocal nasheeds without instruments or content that does not promote anything sinful, but silence, Quran recitation, and remembrance are considered better choices.
Does your fast break if you listen to music?
No, listening to music does not break the fast. However, it may reduce the spiritual reward of fasting if it distracts the heart from worship and good behavior.
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