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Fatwa CenterRuling on Playing Musical Instruments
Question
What is the Fatwa on playing musical instruments which have strings such as guitar, violin, sittar and so on. Could you please explain to me what type of music is allowed in Islam?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad 
is His slave and Messenger.
Using all kinds of musical instruments is prohibited except the Duff (a tambourine-like instrument without bells), beating Duff for ladies on the days of 'Eeds and wedding ceremonies. This is the preponderant opinion of the Muslim Scholars. The Prophet said: “From among my followers there will be some people who will consider illegal sexual intercourse, the wearing of silk, the drinking of alcoholic drinks and the use of musical instruments, as lawful.” [Al-Bukhari]
Many scholars reported that Muslim scholars unanimously agreed that listening to musical instruments is prohibited.
Imam Al-Qurtubi, Ibn As-Salaah, Ibn Rajab, Ibn Al-Qayyim and Ibn Hajar Al-Haythami 
are among those scholars who narrated the consensus of Muslim scholars over this issue.
A Muslim should abide by the rulings of the Sharee’ah and he should not seek entertainment and pleasure except in the legal fields that please Allah.
Allah knows best.
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