Fatwa ID: 04425

Answered by: Alimah Nasima Umm Hamza

Question

Assalamu Alaikum. Dear respected Mufti,

is it permissible to be a passenger in someone else's car if they are playing music before or during the journey? Also, is it permissible to start a job or to continue working in a job in someone else's shop or restaurant if music is being played in that shop or restaurant?

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

In a time where many types of evils have become prevalent, it can be very difficult to avoid vice and sin in everyday life. We come into contact with both non-Muslim and Muslim environments where haram music and TV programs may be on.

The question to ask ourselves is whether we are in a position to change that vice around us.

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

مَنْ رَأَى مِنْكُمْ مُنْكَرًا فَلْيُغَيِّرْهُ بِيَدِهِ فَإِنْ لَمْ يَسْتَطِعْ فَبِلِسَانِهِ فَإِنْ لَمْ يَسْتَطِعْ فَبِقَلْبِهِ وَذَلِكَ أَضْعَفُ الإِيمَان

“Whosoever of you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then let him change it with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart – and that is the weakest of faith.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith number 49)

Therefore, if it is possible to advise the person and they will listen to you, you should inform them that you don’t listen to haram music and ask them to switch it off.

If you are in an environment where you can’t advise (such as public places and shops etc) or your advice will not be taken heed of, then you must hate the action inwardly.

Only Allah knows best

Written by Alimah Nasima Umm Hamza

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham