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Can you listen to music during Ramadan?
Ramadan started on Thursday, April 23 and the world's 1.8 billion Muslims will celebrate the holy month by fasting and praying. Ramadan, which is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, will end on May 23, and represents a time when Muslims devote a particular focus to prayer, purification and charitable acts. Express.co.uk takes you through the rules of Ramadan, including if listening to music is allowed.
Ramadan is known as a month of fasting for the Muslim community.
However, this does not just include abstaining from food and drink between dawn and sunset, but giving up other things as well.
Smoking, sexual activity and 'sinful behaviour' including swearing, lying and spreading gossip should also be avoided.
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Some Muslims also believe that music should not be listened to during Ramadan as it is haram – forbidden or proscribed by Islamic law.
Equally, some Muslims have advised that during Ramadan it's okay to listen to music on your phone, through headphones or in a private space.
Playing loud music is not advised, nor is driving and playing loud music at the same time.
In addition, the lyrics shouldn't have any swearing in them.
However, it's been pointed out the Quran itself makes no explicit mention of music being forbidden.
Some interpret a phrase "idle talks" as including singing or music, others do not.
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Fasting is obligatory for all adult followers of the faith who are able to safely go without food and drink.
People with medical problems, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding and the elderly are among those exempt from fasting.
But there are some considerations when it comes to fasting during a pandemic.
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The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has published guidance, saying "healthcare staff required to provide care to COVID-19 patients, at real risk of dehydration and making clinical errors due to wearing PPE and long shifts" are exempt from fasting.
The MCB has also encourage British Muslims to stay at home this Ramadan.
The suspension of services in mosques and social distancing measures will make Ramadan feel very different for Muslims as it's usually a time for gathering with friends and family and in mosques to break the fast and pray together.
Harun Khan, Secretary General of the MCB said: "The message for this Ramadan is clear: fast and pray at home and share Ramadan digitally. This is the way to help save lives.
"Ramadan is about connecting to God through worship, reflection, compassion and giving back to others.
"It is important to use this time to reconsider, to reflect on the way we live our lives and the way we relate to our Creator, our communities and those in need.
"We must be sure to celebrate Ramadan in the safest way possible: in our homes."
Read more about the Muslim Council of Britain's guidance for Ramadan under lockdown.
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