السلامُ عليكم ورحمة اللهِ وبركاتهُ
In my school, we are required to attend a mandatory choir class. In this class we are made to sing alongside a musical accompaniment. I know that doing such is forbidden, but there are no better alternatives; the only one being band class which is arguably worse. Also, I have no choice to leave my school for a different one as it is not possible to transfer schools at this time of year. My major questions are;
– Is taking part in this forbidden class a sin on my part
– What measures must I take to do everything that is obligatory on my part
– Is it permissible to not sing and ‘trick’ the teacher as we are wearing masks and he does not know whether I am really singing or not
Barak Allah Feek.
Answer
Wa’alaykum as Salām wa rahmatullāhi wa barakātuhu,
Choir classes is a very severe matter in that it is detrimental to one’s Imān.
‘Tricking the teacher’ by not singing whilst wearing a mask would not qualify as a long-term solution to the problem, as the laws pertaining to the wearing of masks could be relaxed at some point in the future.
If the attending of mandatory choir classes can be relaxed by some valid forms of intervention which are mutually agreed upon, then that would be the ideal.
One should pursue all means which would lead to the relaxation of attending such classes.
Only in the event that all avenues have been exhausted, then one may attend, whilst realizing the severity and gravity of such classes; hence, to always be engaged in repentance wherever possible, during and after classes.
It is also necessary that one’s heart remains aloof, disinclined and distant from such classes even though he may be attending.
And Allaah Ta’aala knows best
Wassalaam,
Ismail Moosa (Mufti)