In today’s world, one of the most persistent misconceptions about Islam is that it rejects beauty, creativity, and artistic expression. Many assume that music and art are forbidden, that Islam demands silence where there could be song and plainness where there could be beauty. Yet this belief is far from the truth. Islam never banned art or music — it merely defined a moral compass for how they should be used. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) lived a life surrounded by poetry, craftsmanship, and joyous lyrics. What Islam truly forbids is not beauty, but corruption and not melody, but immorality.
Islam’s Foundation: Allah Loves Beauty
At the heart of Islam lies a profound appreciation for beauty. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Allah is Beautiful and loves beauty.” (Sahih Muslim)
This hadith reveals that beauty itself is a reflection of divine perfection. From the symmetry of nature to the rhythm of Qur’anic recitation, Islam views beauty as a pathway to spiritual reflection. When used with sincerity and purity, art and music can become forms of remembrance (dhikr). They can soften the heart, elevate the soul, and strengthen faith.
The Misconception: “Music and Art Are Forbidden”
The idea that Islam categorically forbids music and art often stems from cultural restrictions, not from the Qur’an. In fact, no verse in the Qur’an explicitly bans music or artistic creation. Some scholars issued cautionary opinions based on certain hadiths, but even those opinions were about content, not the instruments themselves.
Throughout Islamic history, scholars, poets, and artists understood that intention and morality mattered more than sound or color. Music that leads to sin, promoting indecency, arrogance, or heedlessness, is discouraged. However, music that uplifts the soul, inspires goodness, or expresses gratitude is not only permitted but can be deeply spiritual.
Glimpses from the Prophetic Era
During the Prophet’s time, music and poetry were common in social and spiritual gatherings. Women sang songs at weddings and during Eid celebrations. The Prophet (peace be upon him) never silenced them. Instead, he encouraged expressions of joy as long as they remained modest and meaningful.
When the young girls of Medina sang verses to welcome him, “Tala‘a al-badru ‘alayna,” he smiled with warmth. Similarly, poetry was frequently recited among the companions, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) praised poets like Hassan ibn Thabit (RA), who used his words to defend Islam and inspire believers. Clearly, creative expression was part of the early Muslim community.
Art as Worship: Expressing Faith Through Creativity
If we walk through the grand mosques of Istanbul, the intricate palaces of Andalusia, or the manuscripts of Persia, we see that Muslims have long celebrated art. Calligraphy, architecture, tilework, and geometric design all became sacred languages of worship. Since the Qur’an discouraged idolatry, Muslims channeled creativity into forms that reflected divine unity: endless patterns that symbolized the infinite nature of Allah.
Every stroke of calligraphy, every arch in a mosque, and every melody carries a message: beauty in Islam is an act of devotion when guided by morality.
The Moral Ambit: Where Islam Draws the Line
Islam’s guidance on art and music is based on purpose and effect. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught moderation in all things. Thus, the question is not “Is music haram?” but rather “What is the message behind it?” If music or art:
- Promotes indecency or arrogance,
- Distracts from remembrance of Allah,
- Encourages sin or moral decay, then it is discouraged.
However, when it promotes gratitude, reflection, unity, or peace, it is not only permissible, it becomes praiseworthy. Islam’s moral compass aims to protect hearts, not restrict happiness.
What Classical Scholars Actually Said
Prominent scholars like Imam al-Ghazali and Ibn Hazm viewed music and art through the lens of intention and influence. Al-Ghazali stated that music can be spiritually beneficial if it leads the listener closer to Allah. Ibn Hazm, too, rejected extreme prohibitions, explaining that the Qur’an and authentic hadith contain no direct ban on music.
This diversity of opinion among scholars shows that Islam’s intellectual tradition valued context and sincerity over rigidity. The debate was never about erasing art, but about ensuring that it nourishes, not poisons, the soul.
Islam’s Balanced Path: Enjoy Beauty, Guard Your Soul
Islam’s message is one of balance between enjoyment and restraint, creativity and accountability. The Qur’an does not call for the silencing of voices or the destruction of beauty. Instead, it asks believers to use every gift whether voice, pen, color, or rhythm, in remembrance of their Creator. A Muslim artist or musician does not abandon faith by expressing creativity; they honor it when their work reflects truth, ethics, and purpose.
As the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Actions are judged by intentions.” (Bukhari)
This principle applies equally to art and music. A song that awakens gratitude can be a form of ibadah (worship). A painting that reminds people of the beauty of creation can be an act of shukr (thankfulness).
In our time, art and music hold immense power. They influence emotions, shape cultures, and spread messages faster than sermons. For Muslims, this power is both an opportunity and a responsibility. We can use creativity to promote light over darkness, to counter vulgarity with virtue, despair with hope, and division with harmony.
Modern nasheeds, Islamic films, calligraphic exhibitions, and spiritual recitations prove that art remains one of the most effective tools of da’wah (inviting to goodness). The key lies not in avoidance but in alignment with ethics and the remembrance of Allah.
To embrace art and music within Islam is to embrace the beauty of balance where creativity meets conscience, and joy meets gratitude. For when the heart remembers Allah, every melody becomes a form of prayer, and every brushstroke a whisper of faith.
