Question:
What is the Islamic ruling on singing one or more verses from the Quran in poetry or prose, using musical instruments or melodies? What is the status of a person who engages in such actions?
Answer:
Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, his family, and companions.
Allah has commanded in the Quran: “and read the Quran with clear pronunciation” (Surah Al-Muzzammil: 4). This verse instructs the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his followers to recite the Quran in the best manner, particularly during the early days of its revelation.
The term “Tartil” means to present something in an organized and structured way. It implies reciting the Quran beautifully and with proper articulation. The Prophet ﷺ would recite any Surah in a clear and melodious way. He also said: “Beautify the Quran with your voices.” Abdullah bin Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) advised against rushing through the Quran and encouraged pausing to reflect on its meanings.
The command to recite the Quran with measured recitation does not permit altering the words or introducing melodies that disrupt the proper recitation. It is essential to follow the rules of pronunciation and pauses when reciting.
Based on this understanding, it is not permissible to sing or create melodies for any verses of the Quran, nor use any musical instruments. Anyone who does so is committing a sin and should seek forgiveness from Allah. The Quran is the Word of Allah, and as the Prophet ﷺ stated: “The Quran has superiority over all other speech as Allah has superiority over His creation.”
This ruling applies to the situation described in the question.
And Allah ﷻ knows best
This fatwa is written by Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Munir Al-Azhari