Ramadan is a month-long time period when followers of Islam refrain from consuming food, drinks, smoking, and engaging in sexual activity during the daytime.
It leads to the celebration of Eid al-Fitr and is intended to cleanse believers spiritually, bring them closer to God, and raise awareness of those in need.
This Ramadan begins on March 10 and the fasting period will last until around April 9.
The period also involves prayer and charitable donations, and there are numerous regulations and traditions associated with it.
But are followers of Islam permitted to listen to music during Ramadan, or is music haram (forbidden)?
Is it forbidden to listen to music in Ramadan?
The topic of music in Islam is complex, as some view the Qu’ran as stating that music leads people away from the path of Allah.
This has prompted some parents to withdraw their children from music classes at school previously.
However, other Muslims interpret the Qu’ran differently and note that the text does not explicitly mention music as haram .
Some Muslims have suggested that it's acceptable to listen to music on your phone, using headphones, or in a private setting during Ramadan.
Playing loud music is not recommended, and neither is driving while playing loud music.
There is no definitive answer, however, as an interview with a Muslim published by the BBC in 2005 states that you should minimize the time spent on music, movies, and board games during Ramadan.
It seems the issue of music is not straightforward, and whether you listen to it depends on your interpretation of the Qu’ran and the significance of Ramadan itself.
