A Statement on the Grave Sin and Crime of Mixing the Quran with Music
The General Iftaa` Department clarifies that mixing the recitation of the Quran with melodies, music, and rhythmic beats accompanied by musical instruments, singing, and dancing is one of the greatest sins and is strictly prohibited. This is a grave mockery and a contemptuous act towards the Quran. It is a futile attempt to distort the meanings of the Quranic verses and to diminish its significance in the hearts of believers. Allah says {what means}: "And when you hear the verses of Allah being denied and mocked, do not sit with them until they enter into another conversation. Indeed, you would then be like them. Indeed, Allah will gather the hypocrites and disbelievers in Hellfire altogether." [An-Nisa, 140].
Muslims are obligated to believe in the Quran, to honor it, and to hold it in the highest esteem, whether in speech, writing, or calligraphy. Allah says {what means}: "And whoever honors the symbols of Allah - indeed, it is from the piety of hearts." [Al-Hajj, 32]. Muslims must avoid any word, action, or belief that contradicts the respect and reverence due to the Quran.
Allah, the Exalted, has clearly stated in His Book, addressing the Prophet and his nation, the importance of preserving the recitation of the Quran as it was revealed. Allah says {what means}: "Do not move your tongue with it to hasten through it. Indeed, upon Us is its collection and [the responsibility for] its recitation. So when We have recited it, then follow its recitation. Then it is upon Us to explain it." [Al-Qiyamah, 16-19]. These verses clearly indicate that the Quran is to be recited as it was revealed, and no deviation is permissible, even due to haste in recitation.
The recitation of the Quran is a fixed and continuous Islamic tradition that has been transmitted from generation to generation, from our time to the Companions of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with them; from them to the Prophet, peace be upon him; from him to Gabriel, peace be upon him, and from him to the Almighty Lord. Exactly as Allah intended for this great Book to be recited.
Therefore, it is forbidden for any believer in Allah, His Messenger, and His Book to spread anything that is unbecoming of the Quran or to contribute to its promotion, preparation, presentation, or financing. This is because it is a deviation from the path of Allah, a disregard for sacred things, and a violation of prohibitions. Rather, every Muslim must preserve the Quran, teach it to others as it was revealed to the Prophet, peace be upon him, and as it has been transmitted by the nation. Our enemies will not succeed in their plots and their evil intentions, for Allah, the Exalted, says {what means}: "Indeed, it is We who have sent down the reminder, and indeed, We will be its guardian." [Al-Hijr, 9].
We ask Allah, the Exalted, to enable us to fulfill this great honor by honoring His Book, preserving it, reciting it, and acting upon it in the correct manner. May Allah bless our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his companions.
