Music and Ghinā’: Do Context and Intent Affect the Ruling on Music?

Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Imam Khamenei

Music and Ghinā’: Do Context and Intent Affect the Ruling on Music?

English:

Question #1124:

Do such things as the personality of the musician, the place where music is conducted, and the aims of the music have any say in the ruling in the matter of music?

Answer #1124:

The ḥarām type of music is lahwī music which deviates people from the way of Allah. However, the personality of the musician, the vocalised words accompanying the music, the venue, and all other circumstances may contribute to place it in the category of ḥarām, lahwī, and deviating music, or another ḥarām category, e.g., if the music, due to the mentioned things, leads to certain corruption.

-Imam Khamenei, Practical Laws of Islam, Importance and Conditions of Music and Ghinā’