Conditions of Singing

Question

What are the conditions that classify any melody as a song? [AR_ID:2854]

Answer 1

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.

Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sistani (may God protect him):

It is the playful speech—whether in poetry or prose—that is presented with the melodies commonly associated with entertainment and play. There is some ambiguity regarding the criteria for its repetition and extension, and the determining factor is the common understanding. It is not permissible to recite the Holy Quran, supplications, and remembrances with such melodies, nor even other non-playful speech, as a precautionary obligation.

An exception may be made for women's singing at weddings, provided it does not involve another prohibition, such as drumming, speaking falsehoods, men entering the women's space, or hearing their voices in a way that incites desire. However, this exception is not without its issues, and it is safer to avoid such singing altogether.

As for the common form of chanting, it is not considered singing and is permissible, as is anything that is doubtful—due to ambiguity in its classification—as being singing or akin to it.

Regarding music, any that is suitable for entertainment and play—such as that played with musical instruments like the lute, tambour, qanun, and guitar—is prohibited like singing. However, other forms, such as military and funeral music, are permissible, although it is preferable to avoid them as well.

Source: Minhaj al-Salihin - Part Two, Book of Trade » Introduction to Issue 20

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Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Khamenei (may God protect him):

Singing is the repetition of sound in a playful manner that misleads from the path of God.

Such singing is absolutely prohibited, even in supplications, the Quran, the call to prayer, elegies, and others. It is forbidden whether one listens to it alone at home or in the presence of others, whether one is affected by it or not. It is forbidden regardless of whether it is by a man or a woman, even between spouses, in all these scenarios, without distinction between countries of origin, whether Arab, Western, or otherwise. It is prohibited whether it is direct or recorded, and whether accompanied by musical instruments or not.

However, it is permissible to recite verses of the Holy Quran, supplications, the call to prayer, and elegies in a beautiful voice and melodies that suit the dignity of the Quran, as long as it does not reach the level of prohibited singing.

There is no difference in the prohibition of singing and music in a women's wedding gathering or any other gatherings; the singing of female singers is prohibited even at a bride's wedding.

Anything that is commonly regarded as playful singing that misleads from the path of God is forbidden, regardless of whether it is traditional, folkloric, or otherwise.

If the words of the mawlid are set to the melodies of prohibited singing, then it is forbidden to recite or listen to them. If they are not set to the melodies of the immoral, then they are permissible.

Moreover, the character of the singer, the words accompanied by melodies, the location, or other circumstances may influence whether the speech falls under the category of playful singing that misleads from the path of God, which is forbidden, especially if it leads to corruption.

(1) Repetition: The modulation of sound in the throat, lowering and raising it.

Source:Fiqh al-Wali: On the Rulings of Singing.

May you be successful in all good.