A Study of Islamic Ruling of Music based on Ultimate Religious Purposes for Practical regulations

Making the pure things lawful and prohibiting the evils is one of the principles of Islam. It is for the same reason that Islam considers the belief in unity of God as a Wājib (an essential part of Islamic faith) and forbids all the different forms of polytheism. This principle is observed in all spheres of human life but if it seems otherwise in special cases, there is the Hikmah (Wisdom) of God behind it. Resorting to certain reasons, some maintain that Islam has forbidden art in general and music in particular. But the Shaare al-Hakim (the Wise Law-maker) adheres to the principle that the order regarding every issue must be decided based on its advantages and disadvantages. Art is an advantage inseparable from human life. Art is even encouraged by Islam in cases where it can contribute to Islamic faith and assist Muslims. However, art is sometimes used in unfavorable ways and in different conditions against Islam and humanity. The present study firstly defines music and ultimate religious purposes of practical regulations (Maqasid al- Sharia) and then considers the relationship between the two. By analyzing texts on this issue, the study concludes that Islamic orders regarding music are not one and the same in all cases. Furthermore, the study uses descriptive and analytic procedures in terms of methodology.