Search In Fatwa

Plays and teaches piano lessons

Question

I teach piano, and play it, is it Haraam? and the money I get does it also Haraam, like Ribaa money, so I can't do Zakaat on it, or go to the Umrah with it. Plays the music I play and teach it not danceable.

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

Musical instruments are forbidden; this was previously discussed in Fataawa: 81239 and 81545. So this applies to whether one can dance to music or not as the texts mentioned forbidding them are general. It is also forbidden to teach playing musical instruments as it is not permissible to help in sin and disobedience. Allaah says (interpretation of meaning): {And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.}[5:2]. The earnings that one gets from it are also forbidden. This being confirmed, there is no harm regarding the money that you have already spent, if you repented to Allaah, but you have to get rid of the rest of the money earned from teaching piano, as it is not permissible to benefit from this money or go to 'Umrah with it. Zakah is not obligatory on forbidden money, as it is not owned legally, and Allaah does not accept it. Allaah is Tayyib (which implies Pure) and only accepts that which is pure. You have to know that seeking provisions by legal means is obligatory, and is an indication that a person seeks the pleasure of Allaah. You have to remember the saying of Allaah (interpretation of meaning): {And whoever fears Allaah—He will make for him a way out. And will provide for him from where he does not expect.}[65:2-3].

Allaah knows best.

Related Fatwa