Music and Religion in Islam

Abstract

A ban on music has become the norm among radical Islamic groups. Music was considered a part of Western ideology, which poses a threat to the Islamic State. Members of the radical group, so-called Islamic State (IS), publicly destroyed musical instruments; the Taliban in Afghanistan banned music, cinema, and television.

Jihadist Islamic groups justify the ban on music with the Islamic “rules”, citing interpretations from certain Islamic sects that support the legitimacy of such prohibitions. The study analyzes the history of music prohibitions in Islam. It also explores the role of music in the Islamic Caliphate and the historical evolution of music bans.