Fatwa ID: 01907

Answered by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Question:

Some time ago I sold an electric guitar which I had bought when I wasn't Muslim yet, with the money earned through my job.
Then, after accepting Islam, I sold this guitar for the same price I bought it for (1300 euro).
Was it permissible or wrong to sell it?
Is the money thus gained (through selling this guitar) haram?
What should I do?

Answer:

It is unlawful to sell any musical instruments in Islam. It will be considered as assisting someone in committing a sin of playing a musical instrument.

Allah  says, “Help one another in righteousness and piety, but help you not one another in sin and transgression.” (Surah Maaidah v.2)

However, it is permissible to sell the parts of the instrument.  For example, it is not permissible to sell a flute or guitar, but to sell the wood, which was used to make it, will be permissible. (Jadeed Fiqhi Masaail p.384 v.1)
Imam Baghawi has said in one of his fatwa that it is haram to sell all kinds of musical instruments such as mandolins, flutes, etc. Then he said: If the images are erased and the musical instruments are altered, then it is permissible to sell their parts, whether they are silver, iron, wood or whatever. (Sharah al-Sunnah p.28 v.8)

The conclusion we can come to is that it was impermissible for you to sell the guitar and the money you gained was unlawful. This money should be given to charity without the intention of reward. (Raddul Muhtar p.553 v.9)

Only Allah Knows Best

Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham.