Q&A

Ruling on Listening to Music During Ramadan

The blessed month of Ramadan is a season for worship and drawing closer to Allah. During this month, Muslims strive to increase their acts of obedience and avoid prohibitions. A frequently asked question is:

“Is it permissible to listen to music during Ramadan?”

Answer:

1. Listening to music does not break the fast:
   Fasting requires abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations from dawn until sunset. There is no evidence in Islamic law that listening to music invalidates the fast.
2. Listening to music during Ramadan is disliked (makruh):
   Music may distract a person from devotion and reflection on Allah’s greatness. Some songs may contain prohibited content or evoke lustful thoughts.
3. The ruling depends on the type of music: Songs with haram content or lustful meanings are forbidden in Ramadan and at all times. Songs free from prohibited content are disliked during Ramadan but permissible at other times.
4. One should make good use of time in Ramadan:
   Muslims should fill their time with acts of worship that bring them closer to Allah, such as reading the Qur’an, remembrance of Allah (dhikr), making du’a, reciting tasbih and tahleel, seeking forgiveness, and performing Tarawih prayers.
5. Do not force others:
   Muslims should not force others to avoid music during Ramadan. However, they may advise and inform them of the ruling while leaving the choice to the individual.

Conclusion:
A Muslim may listen to music in Ramadan, but they should ensure:

• The songs do not contain haram content or evoke lust,
• Listening is minimized as much as possible,
• They prioritize acts of worship that draw them closer to Allah.

Note:
This is a general fatwa. For specific situations, one should consult reliable scholars.
A Muslim should be conscious of Allah in all words and actions and strive to earn His pleasure.

Allah knows best.