Playing musical instruments in compulsory music class

9-5-2017 | IslamWeb

Question:

Hi. I am a 13-year-old boy from Finland. At school, we have compulsory music education. It involves playing musical instruments and music. Am I allowed to play musical instruments like the guitar and piano in that case? I know that music is haram, but am I allowed to play them at school? Thank you.

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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, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

First of all, we commend your keenness on asking about what is important to you of your religion and your eagerness to avoid what is haraam; this is what the believer should do, so hold on to this attitude. You should also be keen on attending religious gatherings and keeping the company of righteous people; may Allah reward you generously. We ask Allah to protect you and increase your righteousness and piety.

As you already know, musical instruments are prohibited, and the prohibition in this regard is general, whether it be at school or elsewhere. So it is impermissible for you to play those instruments. If the music classes are compulsory in your school and you can transfer to another school that is free of this prohibition, then praise be to Allah. If you cannot do so, then keep your duty to Allah and fear Him as much as you can; if you can find any way to avoid playing those instruments, you should do so.

For more benefit, please refer to fatwas 227371 and 331786.

Allah knows best.