Music and Ghinā’: What’s the Ruling on Compulsory Music Education and Mixed-Gender Practice?

Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Imam Khamenei

Music and Ghinā’: What’s the Ruling on Compulsory Music Education and Mixed-Gender Practice?

English:

Question #1150:

As a requirement of the curriculum of a major subject, students of the college of education have to take music classes whereby they are introduced to an outline of the subject of revolutionary music and chants. This includes classes in musical notations and playing the organ. What is our duty in respect with buying and using such a musical instrument? And what is the view on learning this subject as part of the compulsory program? What is the obligation of female students who are required to practice before the opposite sex?

Answer #1150:

In itself, there is no problem in using the musical instruments for composing revolutionary recitals, making religious programs, and holding useful cultural and educational activities, nor is there any harm in buying and selling these instruments for these stated purposes. Also, there is no objection to teaching and learning it for such aims, nor is there any objection to female students attending such classes provided that they uphold the obligatory ḥijāb and other Islamic regulations. Of course, it should not be conducted in a way which is considered as promoting and encouraging music.

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