Electronic music may or may not be forbidden depending on its purpose and context of listening. If it is used merely for pleasure without sinful messages being communicated through it, then its usage would most likely be permissible.
Any music deemed lahwi or leading to sinful activity is forbidden under Islam and thus constitutes haram music, both instrumental and vocal forms alike.
Loud beats and sounds
Electronic music has long been associated with loud beats and sounds that resonate from speakers or headphones. Produced using computers or MIDI controllers, this form of music allows for quicker creation times than traditional instruments as it features intricate detail in sound design and detail not possible with traditional instruments. DJs use it frequently to create specific moods or atmospheres with this form of music while many Muslims find its intense beats and sounds too uncomfortable to listen to it.
Electronic Dance Music, more commonly known as EDM, covers an expansive variety of genres of music. Not just pop or big room house but drum and bass, progressive house, techno, trance etc are included within EDM genre. Many Muslim DJs specialize in producing this style of music while some even teach at esteemed schools like Berklee College of Music.
Electronic music genre is forbidden because of several features which make it indecent, including loud beats and Shaitanic influences that cause people to do forbidden acts and lose focus of Islam’s teachings. Prophet Muhammad warned against listening to Shaitanic music which he considered the voice of Satan.
Electronic music is forbidden because its sounds can contribute to drug abuse. When designed to excite and stimulate listeners, electronic music may lead to addiction and drug use. Furthermore, many songs with explicit sexual lyrics often come accompanied by suggestive movements.
EDM music’s loud beats and sounds can become an impediment to worship, particularly if played during travel or work hours where its sounds may become distracting. Haram effects of electronic music may be mitigated by either turning it off in public places or wearing headphones while listening.
Scholars have occasionally criticized hadith that forbid music, yet most are reliable and are even referenced in Sahih al-Bukhari and other books.
Excessive and vain talk
Music is forbidden under Islam due to its ability to tempt individuals towards sinful behaviors, prompting many Muslims to avoid electronic music and remixes. If music serves a positive purpose and doesn’t trigger harmful emotions, however, listening in moderation may be permissible; for example if it contains instrumental pieces with positive messages. If however the music contains too many vocals that promote inappropriate conduct it should be avoided at all costs.
Al-Faruqi, a religious scholar, notes that music and singing permitted in Islam include recitation of the Quran, call to prayer, caravan chants and work songs. Furthermore, certain musical instruments are forbidden such as the kuba drum which has been linked with alcohol consumption and other immoral songs. Female singers’ voices may also evoke tempting images; if their singing voice remains hidden and no temptation arises from this, however listening may still be allowed.
Electronic music may promote sinful behavior while also encouraging idolatry; therefore it must be forbidden and thus considered forbidden music. Certain genres contain unnecessary and vain talk that distracts people from prayers and causes lack of focus; therefore this form of music should be forbidden.
Muslim scholars tend to agree that a song is forbidden if its lyrics illicit or illicit emotions in its listeners, yet differ on whether these haram lyrics can be written in an acceptable language for listening. Furthermore, there may also be differences in how these haram songs are composed or what their meaning might be.
Islamic scholars have long discussed the role of music in society and religion. Some scholars have taken a firm stand against all music being prohibited; other have more nuanced opinions. With technology becoming ever-more pervasive, however, the debate has only grown more complex. While some are concerned about the potential harmfulness of sexy electronic music for society as a whole, others hold that its effects might not be as detrimental after all.
It promotes sinful behavior
An ongoing debate among Christians regarding dubstep music’s acceptability continues to rage among them. Some feel it contradicts biblical beliefs while others find it acceptable as long as it does not promote sinful actions or beliefs. Ultimately, the choice depends on each listener and their personal preferences.
Music that promotes immoral behavior or any activity forbidden by Islam is forbidden and will be judged accordingly, as made clear in Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) warning against anyone encouraging sinful activities being punished by Allah.
Songs with sexual content also may be considered prohibited; country and pop music often contains lyrics which refer to premarital sex, infidelity or sexual preoccupation, while many rock and pop tracks feature explicit sexual material; their videos often depict scenes of sexual activity – this makes these songs forbidden even when played on secular stations or during halal events.
According to Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah, any singing or musical instrument which diverts people away from moral values and towards lechery and futility is forbidden; according to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), those who allow zina, silk fabrics and musical instruments will become monkeys and pigs.
Muslim scholar Al-Qaradawi holds that music and singing are permitted provided they don’t occur in prohibited places or with dissolute companions, adding that Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) approved of musical instruments being used responsibly without excess.
Notably, scholars from the eleventh to seventeenth centuries held differing viewpoints on whether music should be considered forbidden (haram). Modern opinion leaders tend to take a more nuanced view. For instance, some scholars argue that trance music genre is permissible since it doesn’t promote sinful behavior or increase sexual desire.
It is a distraction
Music can be extremely captivating. From its sounds distorted through subpar headphones to mixed and mastered to sound good on an old hi-fi system, its sounds have an immense power to transform one’s emotions and change how we behave in social situations or create an atmosphere of apathy. Furthermore, certain genres such as electronic can even help people focus their work and increase productivity due to its rhythmically synced beats and tones stimulating one’s body movements and emotions.
Although some scholars contend that music is forbidden due to its production methods, others disagree and believe music cannot be classified as forbidden due to any inherent faults within ahadith which forbid it. Conversely, those opposed to this notion often criticize those ahadith that prohibit singing and musical instruments themselves as well as criticize other scholars who argue against this notion as well.
Some scholars contend that music is forbidden because it may lead to lechery, futility and carelessness; others assert it can cause one to forget their Quran and Sunnah; some even assert ahadith which prohibit it are falsified.
One criticism of music is its potential to stimulate sexual desire in its listeners. According to Imam al-Ghazali, listening to women enticing one into seducing them is forbidden as is looking at them.
Scholars of music believe it should be allowed if it does not contain any “ghina'” (guilt) or attract listeners, provided it does not cause physical discomfort to listeners. Listening to music can also help the mind align itself to rhythm of tune, making recall easier. Furthermore, studies indicate that studying while listening to electronic music like trance techno house has proven successful at increasing focus since such genres as these provide relaxation while stimulating brainwave activity.