Music (موسيقَى)
Definition and Etymology
Music, referred to in Arabic as mūsīqā (موسيقَا) or mūsīqī (موسيقَى), is believed by some etymologists to have roots in the Syriac language. The term encompasses various forms of musical expression and soundscapes traditionally known in the Islamic world.
Arabic Translation and Origins
- Arabic: موسيقَى (mūsīqā) or موسيقَى (mūsīqī)
- Turkish: Müzik
The term “music” is deeply embedded in Arabic and Persian cultures, reflecting the traditional artistry and cultural significance of musical practices across Islamic history.
Historical Perspectives and Practices
Islamic scholars and traditions offer various perspectives on music. A notable hadith reports the behavior of the Prophet Muhammad with respect to musical sounds:
- Narrative: Nāfiʿ recounted that while walking with Ibn ʿUmar, they encountered the music of a pipe. Ibn ʿUmar covered his ears and took a different path, explaining that he had seen the Prophet Muhammad do the same when he was a child. (Mishkāt, book xxii, chapter ix, part 3).
Scholarly Divergence
Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) exhibits varied opinions on the permissibility and ethics surrounding music:
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Abu Hanifah’s View: Abu Hanifah, one of the founders of the Hanafi school of thought, maintains that if an individual breaks musical instruments like a lute, tabor, pipe, or cymbals belonging to a Muslim, they are accountable and must compensate the owner. This implies a degree of acceptance since the sale of such instruments is considered lawful (Hidāyah, vol. iii. p. 558).
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Opposing Views: However, his disciples, Imāms Muhammad and Abu Yusuf, disagree with this perspective. This reveals an intra-madhhab disagreement that reflects the complexity and diversity within Islamic legal discourse on music.
Further Reading
To delve deeper into the topic of music in Islam, consider the following books:
- “Music and Musicians in Islamic Culture” by Amnon Shiloah.
- “Islam and Music: A History of a Divine Struggle” by Annemarie Schimmel.
- “The Music of the Arabs” by Habib Hassan Touma.
Takeaways and Conclusion
Music within the context of Islamic traditions is a subject of nuanced debates and diverse opinions. While certain narrations suggest the Prophet’s disinclination towards musical sounds, varying rationales exist among Islamic scholars, reflecting the diversity and richness of Islamic jurisprudence and cultural practices.
Understanding the perspectives on music in Islam requires a nuanced exploration of historical context, theological interpretations, and cultural practices. Divergence among scholars highlights the tension between preserving religious authenticity and embracing cultural dynamism.
By examining the varying positions within Islamic tradition, readers gain a comprehensive view of how music is perceived, legislated, and practiced within Muslim communities, enhancing their appreciation of the interplay between tradition and culture in the Islamic worldview.
This structured Markdown entry serves as a detailed and expansive dictionary reference for understanding music’s position within Islamic context, ideal for readers seeking both foundational knowledge and scholarly insights.
