Answered by: Maulana Muqtaur Rahman
Question
Dear respected Mufti
Is it permissible to be a passenger in someone else’s car if they are playing music before or during the journey? Also is it permissible to start a job or to continue working in a job in someone else’s shop or restaurant if music is being played in that shop or restaurant?
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
In brief, listening to music is impermissible. [1] Hence, it would not permissible to go into a car where music is being played. Nevertheless, if there is no other option of travel, or if one was not aware of the music beforehand, one should request for it to be turned off. If they neglect the request, one will not be held accountable. In that situation, one should try his best to avoid listening to music by trying to focus on something else. [2]
In the same way, it will also be impermissible to start working where one is aware of music being played. But, if one cannot find another career, it will be permissible to take the job. Also, if one is already working where music is being played, one may carry on working there while requesting to switch it off. In both scenarios, one should search to find a suitable job elsewhere.
Only Allah knows best
Written by Maulana Muqtaur Rahman
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
[1] Al-Bahr Al-Raiq – Vol:8 – Page:215 (DKI Publishers)
[2] Al-Durarl-Mubaha Fil-Hazari Wal-Ibaha – Vol:1 – Page:229