Definition and Etymology
Singing (Ghināʾ)
- Arabic Term: غناء (Ghināʾ)
- Turkish Translation: Şarkı söylemek
The term “singing” in Arabic is referred to as “ghināʾ” (غناء). Although the act of singing can range from spiritual hymns to secular melodies, its acceptance and practice within Islam have been subjects of extensive theological debate.
Theological Perspectives
Unlawfulness
Among many Muslim theologians, singing is frequently considered to be unlawful. This objection is primarily based on a tradition reported by Jābir, wherein the Prophet Muḥammad is quoted as saying:
<p>“Singing and hearing songs causeth hypocrisy to grow in the heart, even as rain causeth the corn to grow in the field.” (Mishkāt, book xxii, ch. ix, pt. 3)</p>
Debunking the Tradition
Commentaries and Consensus
Shaik͟h ʿAbdu ʾl-Ḥaqq, in his commentary, indicates the weak authority of this tradition. He observes that:
<p>“The traditionists all agree that there is no Ḥadīs̤ of any authority forbidding the practice of singing.” (vol. iv. p. 63)</p>
This highlights an overarching theological consensus that does not explicitly ban singing, although some consideration is offered to the context and content of the songs.
Ṣūfī Perspective
Singing as Worship
The Ṣūfīs, known for their mystical approach to Islam, often incorporate singing into their acts of worship. They maintain that Prophet Muḥammad solely forbade songs of an objectionable character, thereby allowing spiritually enriching music.
Cultural Implications
General Disfavor
Despite the lenience in some traditions and theological circles, many renowned Islamic scholars and jurists have historically regarded singing with disfavor. This stigma has contributed to varied cultural adaptations and regulations concerning music and singing across the Muslim world.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Songs and Sufi Music in the Alevi Culture” by Irene Markoff
- “Music of a Distant Drum: Classical Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and Hebrew Poems” by Bernard Lewis
- “Islam and Music: A History of the Forbidden Art” by Amnon Shiloah
- “The Music of the Arabs” by Habib Hassan Touma
- “Performing Islam: Gender and Ritual in Iraq” by Samer M. Ali
Takeaways
- Theological Nuance: Singing (ghināʾ) lacks a universally agreed upon ruling in Islamic jurisprudence. Interpretations and acceptances vary widely across different Islamic sects and cultures.
- Sufi Tolerance: Sufi traditions often embrace singing as a profound form of spiritual practice.
- Content Matters: Primary objection lies not in the act of singing itself but the nature and content of the songs.
Conclusion
The practice of singing and its acceptance in Islam is intricate and layered. While many theologians caution against it, others find ways to integrate music and singing into their spiritual and cultural expressions. These diversities underscore Islam’s multifaceted approach to art and worship, encapsulated in centuries of rich historical and intellectual discourse.
