Question: Is it sinful to hear music if one is not intentionally listening to it?
Answer:
Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
Dear questioner,
Thank you for your important question.
Inadvertently hearing music, lies, or any other sinful speech is not sinful. (Nuzhat al-Asma’, Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali) We are only responsible for our own voluntary actions.
It is, however, recommended to distance yourself as much as possible from places where music is played, especially if the lyrics are lewd, immoral, or racy. The Early Muslims called music the Spell of Illicit Sex (ruqya al-zina).
Please also see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVq-MRoBOdw
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/listening-to-islamic-songs-with-musical-instruments/?fbclid=IwAR1AZyfPLPsObjvXXL0DsjZ0KGMMBCRwA0jjDVGUDQglPnU4YLO_tG3oCoY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qJdhhOCv04
One may not remain in a place where music is being played without a need. (Al-Majmu’, Nawawi) If it is audible in one’s house, and one cannot change what is happening, one should hate it with one’s heart and remain there.
This also applies to actively watching television, unless there is a need to watch something or some other overwhelming benefit. One should not be dogmatic about it as there are alternative opinions, and discretion plays an important role too.
Please also see:
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/eating-at-restaurants-that-play-music/
I pray this helps.
[Ustadh] Farid
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years, he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language.