August 2009

1. DEAR ABE: Many Muslims I know including my parents perpetuate that it is haram to listen to music during the month of Ramadan.  Others say music is forbidden in general. Is there any truth to this prohibition? – HANIN, SRILANKA

DEAR HANIN: God never forbade music. In fact, music should be considered a gift from God.  One cannot find ANY prohibition of music in the Quran. Since the Quran is complete, perfect, and fully detailed [1] and there is no prohibition of music, then God did not forbid it.  Also God did not forget to prohibit music and wait for someone else to [2].  No one, including the prophet Muhammad, can prohibit what God did not [3].  If one judges a particular band, song, music genre, or video to be sinful then they should avoid it based on their individual judgment [4]. This does not give one the right, however, to declare all music haram [5].

2. DEAR ABE: If you're a Muslim and fast the month of Ramadan but happen to miss several days, and don't make up for those days before the next Ramadan; does that mean the days double? – NAIM, MINNESOTA

DEAR NAIM:  No, the missed days of fasting do not double.  Here is what God tells us about substituting fasting days in Sura 2, Verses 184-185:  “Specific days (are designated for fasting); if one is ill or traveling, an equal number of other days may be substituted. Those who can fast, but with great difficulty, may substitute feeding one poor person for each day of breaking the fast. If one volunteers (more righteous works), it is better. But fasting is the best for you, if you only knew …Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. GOD wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify GOD for guiding you, and to express your appreciation” [1].

Relevant Quran Verses:  [1] 2:184-185.

3. DEAR ABE: While listening to the Azan calling for Prayers, our parents used to say we should cover our heads.  Please explain why.   Also, what is the correct way to cover the head? – AZEEZAH, ISTANBUL

DEAR AZEEZAH:   There is no requirement to wear a head cover for the calling to the Prayers.  But even if you are asking about a requirement to wear a head cover for another situation, please keep in mind that head covers are not required by God in the Quran [1].  

Relevant Quran Verses:  [1] Article about Islam and Headcovers , January 2007 Q&A #1 ,  July 2007 Q&A #3 , May 2007 Q&A #3 , Top Ten Q&A #9.

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