Music and Ghinā’: How Are Music and Ghinā’ Defined in Islamic Law?

Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Imam Khamenei

Music and Ghinā’: How Are Music and Ghinā’ Defined in Islamic Law?

English:

Question #1131:

What is the definition of music and ghinā’?

Answer #1131:

Ḥarām ghinā’ involves the rise and fall of the voice in a way that is lahwī and deviates people from the way of Allah. It is a sinful act, which is ḥarām for both the singer and the listener.
As for music, it is to play musical instruments. If it is done in a way that is played in gatherings of sin and lahw, it is ḥarām for both the musician and the listener. Otherwise, it is permissible in itself and there is no objection to it.

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