Question:
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
I would like to ask a question.
I dream of becoming a singer in the future. My intention is to support my family financially and improve their lives. I am not trying to earn money through anything that is clearly forbidden, and I sincerely want my income to be halal.
If I become a singer and perform songs with decent and respectful lyrics, avoiding vulgar or immoral content, would the income I earn be considered halal?
I am referring to singing in the music industry. I would like to know the Islamic ruling on pursuing a career as a singer in the music industry.
I would greatly appreciate your guidance.
Jazakum Allahu Khayran.
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-Salāmu ʿAlaykum Wa-Raḥmatullāhi Wa-Barakātuh
In principle, Islam prohibits professions that promote or facilitate immorality, immodesty, or anything that undermines one’s spiritual well-being. The entertainment industry, particularly professional singing, music, and dancing, generally falls within this category due to the prohibited elements commonly associated with it.
Allah تعالى says:
﴿وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يَشۡتَرِي لَهۡوَ ٱلۡحَدِيثِ لِيُضِلَّ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ بِغَيۡرِ عِلۡمٖ وَيَتَّخِذَهَا هُزُوًاۚ أُوْلَٰٓئِكَ لَهُمۡ عَذَاب مُّهِين ٦﴾
“Among mankind are those who purchase idle speech in order to mislead others from the path of Allah without knowledge and make a mockery of it. Such people shall have a humiliating punishment.”
(Sūrah Luqmān 31:6)
Many mufassirīn, including Sayyidunā Ibn Masʿūd (raḍiyallāhu ʿanhu), interpreted “idle speech” (lahw al-ḥadīth) in this verse to include singing.[1]
Furthermore, Nabi ﷺ said:
(ليكونن من أمتي أقوام، يستحلون الحر والحرير، والخمر والمعازف )
“There will certainly be people from my Ummah who will deem lawful illicit sexual relations, silk, alcohol, and musical instruments…”
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī)
Accordingly, it is not permissible to pursue singing as a profession, and the income earned from it would not be regarded as ḥalāl.
Your desire to support your family and earn a lawful livelihood is noble and commendable. However, a good intention does not change the Sharʿī ruling of an impermissible occupation. Therefore, even if the songs contain decent, respectful lyrics and are free from vulgarity or obscenity, adopting singing as a profession would still not be permissible, and the income derived from it would not be considered lawful.
Allah تعالى has promised barakah in lawful earnings and says:
وَمَن يَتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ يَجۡعَل لَّهُۥ مَخۡرَجٗا وَيَرۡزُقۡهُ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا يَحۡتَسِبُۚ
“Whoever fears Allah, He will make for him a way out and provide for him from where he does not expect.”
(Sūrah al-Ṭalāq 65:2–3)
Nabi ﷺ also said:
«أيها الناس، إن الله طيب لا يقبل إلا طيبا،
“O people! Indeed, Allah is Pure and accepts only that which is pure.”
(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
Allah has promised barakah (blessing) in lawful earnings, even if they appear modest. A livelihood earned through permissible means is far more valuable than greater wealth acquired through doubtful or impermissible avenues, and it brings both peace of mind in this world and reward in the Hereafter.[2]
And Allah Taʿāla Knows Best.
Baba Abu Bakr
Student –Darul Iftaa
Accra, Ghana
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Muhammad Zakariyya Desai.
