Part 27

The glorious Quraan says, {Yes, verily in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find tranquility.} (*274) HEALTHY PHYSICAL SPORTS: One of the best alternatives to music and its attendant evils is the engagement in healthy physical sports which brings benefit by developing physical and mental acumen. The Prophet (upon whom be peace and blessings) has encouraged certain sports, among them swimming, horseback riding and the art of marksmanship. (*275) The martial arts is another important field for developing physical and mental prowess. CONCLUSION It is trusted that what has preceded constitutes for the reader a sufficiently explicit analysis and exposition of the Islamic ruling regarding music and song, leaving him/her with a perfectly clear understanding of this serious issue. It is hoped that many of the common misconceptions regarding music and song have been addressed and removed in a lucid, convincing manner, resulting in surety and tranquility for the reader's soul and conscience. I pray that this is {a plain statement to men, a guidance and instruction to those who, fearing Allah, ward off evil.} (*276) THE END Footnotes: (*238)Except for the daff, the simple hand drum, which is allowed for use by women and children on specific occasions mentioned by the authentic sunnah. This has been clarified by a previous section of this work, entitled "Examples of Occasions Specified by the Sunnah." (*239)Such as flutes, horns, trumpets, accordions, saxophones, trombones, etc. (*240)Including guitars, violins, banjos, harps, sitars, lutes, basses, cellos, etc. (*241)Such as gongs, cymbals, bass drums, bongos, congas, tambourines, etc. (*242)For example, the piano, which combines percussion and string instrumentation. (*243)A type of guitar common to Arab lands. (*244)The complete text of these hadeeths has preceded in Arabic along with their translations in the second section of this study under the title, "Critical Analysis of the hadith Literature." (*245)Its size, according to common usage or custom ('urf), varies approximately between twenty and thirty-five centimeters in diameter for the skin. The width of the circular wooden frame upon which it is strung is about a finger's length. Exceeding this stipulated size would result in a louder sound, which in turn exceeds the instrument's basically limited percussion potentiality. Conversely, a much smaller size diminishes its basic sound capability, and thus, the objective of "announcing" the wedding feast through its sound would not be realized. As it is said, "The best of affairs are intermediate" - in the middle ground. (*246)The term daff literally means the (one) side of a thing or its surface. For details, see Lisaanul Arab, vol. 9, pp 104-106. (*247)See Kaffur Ra'aa, pp. 94-95. (*248)These principles were mentioned in the previous section and are also applicable here. (*249)The width of four finger clinched together (which is basically the same) according to various authentic narrations of Iman Al-Bukhaari, Abu Dawood and others. The actual finger's length varies according to each individual, but an average finger length of the middle finger (the longest one), is about 8-9 centimeters. (*250)Threads made from minutely thin, but pure gold wires, woven together to make a garment. (*251)See Al-Bardeesi's Usoolul Fiqh, p. 240 and Abdul-Qaadir Ataa's Haadha Halaal wa Haadha Haraam, p. 211. (*252)Because by its very nature the exception (mustathna) differs from the original ruling to which it is an exception. (*253)In preceding texts of the authenic sunnah. (*254)The kooban is a drum with skin on bothsides. The tabl is similar except it is usually larger in size. And the tablah has skin only at the top, with a long, open, hollow base made from wood, metal or clay. (*255)According to the principle that whatever is coupled with a prohibited thing becomes prohibited. (*256)Such as the 'Eed festival, wedding celebrations, etc. (*257)Such as those songs which describe sex, wine-drinking or any immoral subjects. (*258)This occurs when the singer purposely manipulates his/her voice in a throbbing, titillating manner which arouses sexual passions. (*259)One of the rare geniuses of the Islamic sciences, nicknamed "Sultanul Ulamaa" (the Monarch of Scholars). He definitely deserves this title. He was born in Damascus (577 H./1181 C.E.) and died in Cairo (660 H./1262 C.E.). For details, see Mu'jamul Muallifeen, vol. 5, pp. 249-250. (*260)The immediate refernce inthis passage is to the practice of some Sufis who dance according to a certain method as a so-called "spiritual" exercise. However, what has been said here applies generally to all dancing by males regardless of whether it's done for pleasure or for "worship." (*261)In variuos authentic traditions narrated by Al-Bukhaari, Muslim, et. al. (*262)Quoted from Kaffur Ra'aa, p 73. (*263)Quoted from the tafseer, Roohul Ma'aani, vol. 21, p. 71. (*264)In loose clothing from above the chest to below the knee, at the very minimum. (*265)Such as occurs during belly-dancing or various western dances such as soul, rock and funk. (*266)Just as is the case of wine, whose drinking, production, sale and even carrying is forbidden. (*267)By the proper authorities. See footnote no. 112. (*268)Unless he listens to it with the intent to hear it and seek pleasure in it. (*269)surah Al-Muddaththir, 74:38. (*270)See his foreword to The Glorious Quran, p. 3. (*271)Related by Iman Al-Bukkaari. The Quraan is to be melodiously chanted or sung, but not according to one's personal style dictated by fancy. The Quraan must be recited according to the rules of tajweed, the precise science which details the rules for Quraanic recitation.