Chelsea+Starks



In most regions of the world, music in religion is diverse and differs all over. Some religions such as Christianity encourage their followers to express their praises to their God, others such as Islam has the jury out on that one because it's half and half for both sides. Some say Islam forbids music and that music can derail you from the message of God, others say that music is a way to enlightenment. In this wikispace you will learn the about the positives and negative effects music has on specific religions.

__Islam__

Islam is one of the biggest religions in the world along with Christianity and Atheism. Out of those three, Islam is the only one that does not state specifically whether music is permitted or not. There are some scholars that say it is //haram// [forbidden] in all cases, some that say no musical instruments can be used, and some say it's //halal// [permissible] as long as it doesn't contain content which violates the principles of Islam (i.e. sex, drugs, violence, profanity). It seems like Muhammad and God leave that up to their followers because it all depends on what people call music. Some call reciting the Qur'an, music. Others would say it does not count as music because it's just prayer.

For muslim musicians, they took heed to the arguments, looked at each standpoint, and they talked to actual scholars that helped them with this issue. Although they may not be a bunch of scholars, they decided based on the facts they found and thoughtfully made their decision. Muslims use music to remind people of Allah, His signs, and His teachings to man. In Arabic, these tyoes of songs are known as //nasheed//.

** "There are some men who buy diverting talk to lead astray from the way of God" This quote is basically saying that people who support music in Islam starts to push you away from the path to God. Some muslims feel like music just deters God's message and it is just antagonistic as the Devil himself. Harmonious recitation of the Qur'an is recommended in Islam but just to put it out there, any musical tune or harmonious tune is not correct for that type of setting. That's just like if someone was in a church and just started singing "Every Girl" by Lil Wayne, it's just not appropriate.  "So give good tidings to my servants who listen to **//** al-qawl **//** (the spoken word) and follow the fairest of it" **

This quote says that God's servants that listen to the //al-qawl// [spoken word] should follow the the fairest of it meaning follow the things that go in line with the Islamic principles. This is God or Muhammad saying give his servants rewards for listen to the spoken word. That's where part of the conflict with music comes in at. That is also where the argument comes to a draw because no one can actually say whether or not music is allowed because both opposing sides put up string arguments.

(Music and the World of Islam' by Shiloah, 1995) 

__Christianity __   This Christianity is the world's largest religion that takes up 33% of the world's religion. Christianity classifies their music as gospel music. Christianity is accepting of music but the content of the songs is the only regulation for music. As long as they are praising God and speaking of his teachings it is allowed.Of course there have been some controversies over christian music and how some artists present it. Musical artists like Mary Mary, Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin pick a different approach to grab the attention of youth and also grab the attention of the African American community.

But some people feel that songs such as "God In Me", "Victory", and "Imagine Me", deter away from the message of God. They feel like tradition is what needs to stay because once it changes it will never be the same. In actuality it helps put light on normal issues people deal with such as self esteem, life, love, or even having faith in God. These people and these songs do their best to bring people closer to God and be one with themselves.


 * Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise. For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.- Psalms 33:1-4**

This quote from the Bible encourages God's children to praise Him with instruments such as a harp and sing Him a new song that is loud enough for everyone to hear. God's word is correct and all the things He does are done in truth. This quote resembles this of the previous quote that also encourages music saying to sing God's honor and glorify his praise.
 * Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.- Psalms 66:1-2**

__Closing Staements __

In closing I would like to say that I enjoyed working on this project and learned a lot more about religions and their outlooks on things. In different places of the world there are different opinions and different point of views on everything. People in the world use faith as a way to keep up their spirits, change for the better, and do right by God.

__Works ____Cited __  [1] Amnon, Shiloah. __Music in the World of Islam__. Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 1995.

[2] "MuslimHipHop.com". MuslimHipHop. Nov. 2009 <[]>.

[3] Huda, "Muslim Artist / Nasheed Artists". About.com. Nov. 6, 2009 <[]>.

[4] "Major Religions Ranked by Size". Adherents.com. Nov. 6, 2009 <[]>.

[5] "Christian Music - Bible quotes". Surf-in-the-Spirit. Nov. 2, 2009 < []>.