Mark Ellis: When music is forbidden under Islam

Playing the daf

A couple working in the Middle East were stunned when an acquaintance informed them that listening to music is forbidden under Islam.

“We were sitting with a local watching some old black-and-white footage of the famous singer Abdel Halim Hafez (the Frank Sinatra of the Middle East),” says Cyril Jones*.

Their female friend was unmistakably relishing the experience. “She played it through once—twice—and three times, clearly enjoying herself.”

“I haven’t listened to music in a year-and-a-half,” she sighed after the third time.

“Why,” Jones and his wife asked in unison.

“It’s haram (forbidden),” she said, as she held up her hand. “No, don’t ask me why. It just is — but I can’t resist Hafez,” she said, grinning. Keep reading