Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad
Question
I’ve recently found myself listening to snippets of songs that I hear in the background of videos or reels. I’m very ashamed because I know it’s a sin and that music is haram.
However, despite this, I find it very difficult to stop. Even though I repent, I’m scared my repentance won’t be forgiven because I’m making the same mistake over and over.
How do I stay away from music for good, and how do I have faith in my repentance?
Answer
Thank you for your question. Instead of having faith in your repentance, seek to have faith in Allah and his limitless mercy; with that, you will certainly move on from this, by His grace.
Mercy
Allah is the Most Merciful of the merciful and no matter what your actions are, you must never cease to repent. Leave the rest up to Allah and continue to strive. Allah gives us hope from his divine words in the Quran: “Say: My servants who have wronged yourselves, never despair of God’s mercy. God forgives all sins: He is truly the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.” [Quran, 39:53]
The shame that you feel is good and sign of your faith; use it as a tool to fuel your repentance.
Transformation
Many before you have sought to change themselves and move on from base desires and whims, and have succeeded. There are steps that you can take, and remember that most change is gradual. I recall having a friend who wanted to stop watching TV. She started to change the things that she watched and moved on to only watching Islamic lectures, and then eventually, she was able to stop completely, with the help of Allah. By setting goals, turning to Allah, keeping the company of good people, and by studying your religion regularly, the change will come, there is no doubt.
Allah has reminded us in the Quran to be proactive: “For each one there are successive angels before and behind, protecting them by Allah’s command. Indeed, Allah would never change a people’s state (of favor) until they change their own state (of faith). And if it is Allah’s Will to torment a people, it can never be averted, nor can they find a protector other than Him.” [Quran, 13:11]
Try these resources:
6 Steps to Self-Change – Living Hearts Series
Is Listening to Music Haram?
A Reader on Tawba (Repentance)
May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria for two years where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Masters in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.