Discover the profound perspective of renowned scholar, Habib Umar bin Hafidz, on the legality and morality of music and poetry in Islam. Explore the nuances of what makes them permissible or forbidden, along with real-world examples.
The Inseparable Pair: Music and Poetry
Music and poetry are inseparable companions. Music adds color and ambiance to poetry, while poetry infuses meaning and messages into music. But what is the Islamic standpoint on music and poetry? Is it permissible to listen to and create them?
To address these questions, we turn to the insights of Habib Umar bin Hafidz, a distinguished scholar from Yemen, recognized as a descendant of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. He shared his thoughts on the subject during his visit to Indonesia in 2023.
Music and Poetry as Vehicles of Inner Peace
In his discourse, Habib Umar bin Hafidz emphasized that music and poetry serve as vehicles to attain inner peace. Musicians and poets possess expertise in evoking emotions, tastes, and the human soul. They understand what can make people comfortable and happy through sounds and words.
"Because they play with emotions, they must know what brings the greatest comfort to people. It's not just about music; it also includes remembrance (zikir), supplication (doa), and worship," stated Habib Umar bin Hafidz in a video shared on the Nabawi TV channel on YouTube.
Determining the Legitimacy of Music and Poetry
While music and poetry can contribute to inner tranquility, not all forms are considered permissible. Habib Umar bin Hafidz cautioned that certain criteria must be met for music and poetry to be considered lawful.
Firstly, the musical instruments used must adhere to Islamic principles. Instruments that are forbidden include those that promote sinful activities, such as drums, tambourines, flutes, violins, guitars, pianos, and the like. Permissible instruments are those that do not contain elements of sin, such as the duff (a small drum) or tambourine.
Secondly, the poetry employed should embody goodness. Poetry containing negativity, such as verses promoting worldly love, illicit affairs, and the like, is discouraged. Poetry that promotes virtue, such as praise for Allah, Prophet Muhammad, the companions, and scholars, is encouraged.
"If what it arouses is something evil, leading to worse desires, or if it contains negative words and encourages wrongdoing, then it is prohibited and not beneficial," asserted Habib Umar bin Hafidz.
Music and Poetry as Tools of Propagation
Beyond fostering inner peace, music and poetry can also serve as instruments of propagation. Habib Umar bin Hafidz cited examples of music and poetry that carry messages of dawah (Islamic outreach), encouraging acts of kindness, strengthening familial bonds, and aiding others.
"This music is part of goodness and contributes to virtuous dawah," stated Habib Umar bin Hafidz.
Habib Umar bin Hafidz also recounted stories of Islamic musicians and poets who earned praise from Prophet Muhammad. One such example is Sayyidina Hasan bin Tsabit, a renowned companion known for his poetic prowess. He crafted poems praising and defending Prophet Muhammad against the slander of disbelievers.
"Indeed, Gabriel and Michael are always with you in your poetry when your poetry supports and defends Prophet Muhammad," Prophet Muhammad said to Hasan bin Tsabit.
Another story highlights Umayyah, a pre-Islamic Arab poet whose verses contained wisdom and virtue. Prophet Muhammad inquired if any of his companions knew Umayyah's poetry. One companion memorized and recited it to Prophet Muhammad, who requested more verses from Umayyah, amassing nearly a hundred lines.
Conclusion:
From Habib Umar bin Hafidz's teachings, we can conclude that music and poetry can offer inner tranquility, provided they align with Islamic principles. Lawful music and poetry use permissible instruments and embody goodness. Unlawful music and poetry involve forbidden instruments and promote negativity.
Moreover, music and poetry can serve as vehicles for dawah when their content encourages virtuous deeds and brings people closer to Allah and His Messenger. Numerous examples of Islamic musicians and poets receiving praise from Prophet Muhammad illustrate their positive impact.
We hope this article proves informative for those seeking a deeper understanding of the Islamic perspective on music and poetry.
Source: NU Online
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