The Evils of Music in Islam: Insights from Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah

The Evils of Music in Islam: Insights from Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah

In the rich tradition of Islamic scholarship, many classical scholars have expressed caution—if not outright condemnation—toward music and its influence on the human soul. One of the most notable works on this topic is The Evils of Music: The Devil's Voice & Instrument , written by the renowned 14th-century Islamic scholar Imām Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah (691H–751H) . This book explores the psychological, spiritual, and moral consequences of engaging in music, rooted in Quranic teachings, Hadiths, and scholarly analysis. Who Was Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah? Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah was a prominent Hanbali scholar, jurist, and theologian of the 14th century. A student of the legendary Ibn Taymiyyah, he is best known for his works on Islamic spirituality, law, and ethics. His writings are widely studied in traditional Islamic circles to this day. The Core Message of The Evils of Music In this book, Ibn Qayyim argues that music is not merely a form of entertainment but a spiritual danger. He r…