Is it permissible to listen to heavy metal or rock music?

Dear Brother / Sister,

Firstly, we should make it clear that if you are not bothered by sounds that are not objectionable from a religious perspective, if they do not evoke negative feelings in you, and if they do not harm your mental or physical health, you may listen to and perform them. Permissible pleasures are beyond dispute.

The decisive factor in determining whether a piece of music is permissible or not is not the genre of the music or the intensity of the instruments used, but rather its content, purpose, message, the context in which it is performed, and the impact it leaves on a person’s spirit and conscience.

Accordingly, listening to or performing Heavy Metal or Rock music cannot be deemed haram just because of its genre or rhythm.

The decree is determined based on the lyrics of the music, the conditions under which it is performed, the person’s intention, and the effect it has on his spirit.

Basic fiqh criteria:

Regardless of the genre of music, the following conditions must be considered in light of general principles of Islamic fiqh:

The genre and rhythmic structure of the music: The fact that it is rock or heavy metal, or that it contains guitar riffs or heavy drum beats, is not in itself a reason for it to be haram. The technical structure of the music is neutral.

Lyrics and message:

Expressions that incite rebellion against Allah, the prophets, and religious values, polytheism, denigration of divine decree, forbidden elements, suicide, drug use or immorality are forbidden.

It is permissible to listen to and perform pieces that address injustice, social issues, human emotions, or existential questions, provided they do not conflict with the principles of faith or contain forbidden elements.

The setting where music is listened to or performed must be free from alcohol, drugs, illicit relationships, and forbidden deeds.

Music must not lead to the neglect of fard deeds of worship, such as prayer, or the neglect of fundamental human or family responsibilities.

On the other hand, one must also be cautious of the risk that music may stir up carnal desires or lead a person into heedlessness.

From this point of view, even if it is free from forbidden elements, any words or sounds that make a person feel abandoned, lead him into despair and pessimism (the sorrow of the orphan), or incite the lower desires of the soul, sensual emotions, and rebellion are also sinful and must be avoided. (See Nursi, İşarat-ül İ'caz, DİB Yayınları, p. 214)

In that case, sounds and music that are free from haram elements and environments, that remind people of Allah, the hereafter, and His majesty in the universe, that elevate the spirit, and that evoke a constructive and sublime sense of melancholy are halal (permissible).

Accordingly, a hard-hitting rhythm or a rock song is permissible in the eyes of one’s conscience if it contains no forbidden elements or contexts and if it inspires deep contemplation, fosters a stance against injustice, or generates positive energy; however, it becomes objectionable if it leads to despair, depression, arrogance, or rebellion.

To sum up

Heavy metal or rock music cannot be rendered haram just because of its genre.

Any type of music whose lyrics do not contradict the principles of faith and morality, whose environment is kept free from haram, that does not interfere with worship, and that does not impose a negative “orphan-like sadness or carnal desire” on the spirit and conscience can be considered within the bounds of what is halal.

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