Debate on Music

As-Salamu `alaykum! In his fatwa " Does Islam Go against Laughter? ", Sheikh Yusuf `Abdullah Al-Qaradawi stated that when Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq (may Allah be pleased with him) tried to stop two young girls from singing in the Prophet’s house, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) told him: 'Let it be, for we are now in the feast.'However, Sheikh Qaradawi did not refer to the following hadiths: Ibn Mas`ud (may Allah be pleased with him) used to swear by Allah that the ayah "And of mankind is he who purchases idle talk to mislead (men) from the Path of Allah . . .” (Luqman: 6) referred to singing. Abu ‘Amir and Abu Malik al-Ash`ari (may Allah be pleased with them) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Among my Ummah will be those who make permissible al-hira (adultery), silk, khamr and musical instruments . . .” (Reported by al-Bukhari; see al-Fath, 10/51). Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “In this Ummah there will be punishments of earthquakes, showers of stones and deformity (transformation into animals); that will be when the people drink khamr, listen to female singers and play musical instruments.” (See al-Silsilah as-Saheehah, 2203; attributed to Ibn Abid-Dunya, Dhamm al-Malahi; the hadith was narrated by at-Tirmidhi, no. 2212).Also, Sheikh Qaradawi did not mention the following facts: It is reported in a Sahih hadith that the Prophet's laughter was never more than a smile. (Reported by Ahmad) According to another hadith, he (peace and blessings be upon him) used to remain silent for long periods, and laugh little. (Reported by Ahmad) ‘A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “I never saw the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) laughing so heartily that his back teeth showed; he would only smile.” (Reported by Abu Dawud)Now, don't the readers have the right to know the other si de of the coin too? But then again, perhaps I am wrong about it. I would however, appreciate it, if the fatwa issuer could reply to my objections. Wassalam

Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Is it haram to learn to play the violin? I am very fond of it. Listening to it soothes me, and I think it will be a great companion (even though it's non-living) when we do not find the support of people around us. But before enrolling in this course, I wanted to make sure whether or not it is haram. I intend to do this for my personal use only and not to entertain people or make money. When you do not have a companion, this can be very useful for the heart. Jazakum Allah khayran.

Dear scholars, As-salamu `alaykum. I want to know the Islamic stance on listening to Western music and songs (e.g. Rock and Roll). I do not mean joining the parties but mere listening to such music and songs. Jazakum Allah khayran.

Assalamu Alaykum I need to advice someone on music. Are there any references from the Qur'an that I can refer to? Jazakumullahu Khairan