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      Using ijtihad to understand differing Muslim attitudes to music

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can analyse different Islamic sources to better understand different Muslim worldviews regarding music.

      Key learning points

      1. The topic of music is something debated in Islam as to whether it is halal or haram.
      2. Some Muslims believe that music is haram and interpret Islamic sources to make this argument.
      3. Other Muslims interpret the sources differently to argue certain forms of music are permissible.
      4. Analysing the way the different sources have been interpreted can allow us to better understand Muslim worldviews.

      Keywords

      • Halal - actions or things which are permitted within Islam

      • Haram - any actions or things which are forbidden within Islam

      • Ijtihad - the human effort and reasoning used to work out the Shariah

      • Shariah - a set of moral and religious laws that guide Muslims

      • Worldview - a person's way of understanding, experiencing and responding to the world

      Common misconception

      All Muslims think that music is haram or forbidden.

      There is a diversity of Islamic worldviews regarding whether music can be listened to and the types of music that are permissible.

      Teacher tip

      Listen to a clip from Muslim musician Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      After Prophet Muhammad’s death, Muslims faced new not directly answered in scripture.

      Correct Answer: issues, Issues

      Q2.
      What makes ijtihad different from personal opinion?

      Correct answer: It is based on religious sources and deep thought.
      It ignores the Qur’an.
      It doesn’t require knowledge.

      Q3.
      Why is the Prophet’s approval of ijtihad important?

      It allowed non-Muslims access.
      Correct answer: It allowed flexibility in applying Islam.
      It rejected traditional teachings.

      Q4.
      Which of the following could be addressed using ijtihad?

      traditional camel care
      sand collection
      Correct answer: nuclear weapons

      Q5.
      Different scholars may reach different based on interpretation.

      Correct Answer: conclusions, Conclusions

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      A worldview shapes how a person understands, , and responds to life.

      Correct Answer: experiences, Experiences

      Q2.
      What can influence scholars’ interpretation of Shariah?

      the Prophet's birth month
      a type of prayer
      Correct answer: their worldview and context

      Q3.
      Music is debated as being either halal or ...

      Correct Answer: haram, Haram

      Q4.
      Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's music showed love and towards Allah.

      Correct Answer: devotion, Devotion

      Q5.
      Which factor influences whether music is considered halal?

      the musician’s nationality
      Correct answer: its purpose and content
      volume level

      To help you plan your 9 religious education lesson on: Using ijtihad to understand differing Muslim attitudes to music, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...