Music.

It’s everywhere.

In your headphones. In the background of every video you watch. On your social media feed. In restaurants, cafes, even in your car when you think no one’s paying attention.

It’s so normal, so constant, that even imagining life without it feels impossible — almost extreme.

But stop for a second. Just stop.

Think about it.
What is it doing to your heart? To your thoughts? To your connection with Allah?

This chapter isn’t coming from a place of perfection. Far from it.
I’m not someone who has conquered this struggle.
I’m writing this because I struggle too. Wallahi, may Allah forgive us.

The Harmful Effects of Music in Islam

From the earliest days of Islam, Allah prohibited music — even before the ban on alcohol.

That alone should make us pause. This is serious.

Yet today, music is treated like harmless entertainment — a small escape in our busy lives.

Allah says:

“And of mankind is he who purchases idle talk to mislead others from the path of Allah without knowledge and takes it as a joke. For such there will be a humiliating punishment.”
(Qur’an 31:6)

Scholars have interpreted “idle talk” to include music and singing that distract us from Allah.

Music doesn’t just fill our time. It fills our hearts. Often replacing the remembrance of Allah with lyrics, beats, and desires.

How Music Impacts the Soul

Imagine this: a song comes on, and you like it. You play it again. And again.

You post it on your story — maybe just for fun. Maybe because it makes you feel something.

Now pause. Close your eyes for a second.

Hundreds of people hear it. Some save it. They share it with others. Without realizing it, the music you thought was harmless has now begun moving through the hearts of others too.

Ask yourself: did you think about that when you hit “share”?

Music doesn’t just fill your ears. It fills your heart. It shapes your thoughts, your moods, even your actions — slowly, quietly, without you noticing.

It can numb your awareness of Allah. It can soften your connection to the Qur’an. It can become your escape — when your true escape should be salah, dhikr, and turning to Allah.

Even the moments that feel innocent — just a song, just a beat — they matter. They shape your heart. They shape your soul.

Ask yourself honestly:

• When I reach for music, what am I really filling my heart with?
• Am I using it to escape, or am I choosing Allah?
• What story am I telling my heart every day?

This isn’t meant to make you feel guilty.
It’s meant to make you reflect honestly, because true change begins with awareness.

The Heart Is a Vessel

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“In the body, there is a piece of flesh; if it becomes sound, the whole body becomes sound; but if it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt. Verily, it is the heart.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

Imagine your heart like a vessel. What fills it will overflow.

If the heart is filled with music, where is the space for the Qur’an?

One softens the heart toward Allah.
The other slowly pulls it away.

The Struggle to Stop Listening to Music

I know it’s hard.

Wallahi, I’m not writing this as someone who has conquered it. I’m writing this as someone in the struggle too.

The first step is admitting it’s a problem. Without acknowledgment, we stay stuck. But even a small, sincere intention to change becomes heavy on the scale in Allah’s eyes.

“Indeed, Allah does not look at your appearance or wealth, but He looks at your hearts and actions.”
(Sahih Muslim)

Practical Steps to Leave Music Behind

Change doesn’t happen overnight. Habits don’t disappear instantly. Quitting music can feel impossible at first.

But even the smallest, sincere step counts. Here’s what can help:

1. Seek Sincere Help from Allah

Talk to Him honestly. Admit your struggle. Ask for guidance:

“O Allah, I want to leave this for You — but I am weak. Help me.”

2. Reduce Gradually

You don’t have to quit cold turkey. Start small:

• One day without music
• Then three
• Then five
• Slowly extend to a week or more

Every attempt matters. Every effort counts.

3. Replace It With Something Good

Don’t just remove music — fill the space with what strengthens your heart:

• Qur’an recitation
• Islamic lectures
• Nasheeds that align with Islamic values
• Songs without musical instruments, focusing on vocals and meaningful lyrics. ( search on YouTube “songs without Music” )

Notice the difference it makes in your heart, your mood, your focus.

4. Protect Your Environment

Unfollow music pages. Mute artists. Adjust your social media feed.

The world around you constantly influences you. Protect your heart by controlling what reaches it.

5. Make Personal Duʿā’

Speak honestly from your heart:

“O Allah, turn my heart toward what pleases You and away from what displeases You. Replace what I leave behind with something better.”

The Power of Duʿā’ and Consistency

Allah promises:

“And those who strive for Us — We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.”
(Qur’an 29:69)

Even when you slip, the fact that you return and try again shows your heart is alive.

One day, you’ll look back and realize the peace that entered your life wasn’t from music — it was from letting it go.

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Final Reflection

I know it’s hard — wallahi.

You can’t undo years of habit in one night.
But with sincerity, patience, and Allah’s help, change is possible — God willing.

May Allah purify our ears, soften our hearts, and replace haram with something far better.
May He strengthen us in this struggle, forgive us when we fall, and reward every sincere step we take.

Duʿā’

O Allah, purify our ears and soften our hearts.
Replace what we leave behind for Your sake with something far better.
Forgive us when we fall, strengthen us when we struggle,
and reward every sincere step we take toward You.

Āmīn.