Is Music Permissible in Islam?

[Reader Questions]

Salaam,

Other questionable issues also with regards to music. There is one Hadith saying that in the end times there will be much music played which people state as a reason for music to be haraam.

However , you have two other instances where a song and dance where either permitted or unquestioned. First being the Hadith regarding Eid where Aisha was singing and dancing and playing a drum, the other here the prophet came to medina and the people where dining and dancing with joy for his presence. So according to traditions music is haram but the prophet allowed his wife and followers to participate in haram?

Then some people will state only the duff is permissible. Isn't the duff an instrument of percussion? To me it would seem that the duff was merely a cultural instrument of that time and place, if they happened to be in India they probably would have used a tabla or something. Additionally some say that singing can be idle talk but then wouldn't poetry be idle talk?

What is your view?

[Joseph Islam]

Salamun Alaikum.

I trust the following article addresses your sentiments, God willing.

MUSIC AND SINGING

http://quransmessage.com/articles/music%20FM3.htm

Your brother,
Joseph.