Generally speaking, musical instruments are classified into two categories:

1) ‘Specific Instruments’: Those musical instruments which are specifically used in immoral gatherings and are considered befitting of depraved gatherings are defined as ‘specific instruments’. Meaning, instruments which are used specifically as a tool of propagating haraam. Accordingly, these instruments have no legitimate benefit. Therefore, their purchase, sale, and use – if even in a manner which does not invoke immorality or corruption – are all considered impermissible.[1]

2) ‘Shared Instruments’: Those musical instruments which are used in manners both halaal and haraam are defined as ‘shared instruments’. Meaning, these instruments have the potential of being utilized as a tool of corruption or for permissible means. Therefore, if the given instrument is played in a manner which encourages immorality and is befitting of haraam gatherings, its use would be considered haraam. However, there is no problem if the instrument is used in another halaal manner.[2]

Based on research, some jurists have mentioned particular instruments which are considered by definition as being ‘specific instruments’. The lute[3] and oud[4], for example, are two instruments which have been mentioned as such.

The oud is a musical instrument similar to the lute, with its larger bowl and shorter neck being the main points of physical difference. This musical instrument is considered to be among the instruments solely used for lahw and depravation.[5]

In contrast, some instruments used nowadays would be considered by definition ‘shared instruments’. Meaning, the ruling of their legitimacy depends wholly on the how they’re played. Therefore, if the given instrument is not played in a manner which encourages immorality, its use would be considered halaal. Instruments such as the drum[6], dulcimer[7], harp[8], organ[9], and violin[10] are all considered as being under this category.

In any given scenario, the obligation of a jurist lies not in dictating the ruling pertaining to a particular scenario, but rather providing a general ruling. After which, the general public is left with the responsibility of practically applying that ruling. Having made this point, if a musical instrument isn’t exploited in a haraam manner, its use would not be considered haraam. The legitimacy in using these musical instruments lies in their method of application. In other words, when determining if using a musical instrument is halaal, one should consider the kind of music being played and the environment it is suited to. If the music played is becoming of immoral and depraved gatherings, it would be deemed haraam. If this isn’t the case, such music would be considered halaal. Furthermore, it is possible for a particular instrument to have been considered at one time an instrument of haraam due to its common use in haraam gatherings. However, in another time, the same instrument may lose that characteristic of being a tool of haraam, and its use – along with the music created by it – would be considered halaal.

For more information on musical instruments, their characteristics, and uses, one should refer to books written on that particular subject. Books of jurisprudence are not reasonable sources for this research.

Below are some rulings from Maraaji‘concerning musical instruments and their use:

His Eminence, Grand Ayatullah Sayyid ‘Ali Khaamenei:

Instruments which are – per society’s view – considered amongst the ‘shared’ category, meaning, they can be utilized in a halaal manner are permissible to purchase, sell, and use. Of course, the intention in these acts should be that of gaining halaal benefit from the instrument. However, instruments which are – per society’s view – considered amongst the ‘specific’ tools of lahw , their use, purchase, and sale would be considered impermissible.

The office of His Eminence, Grand Ayatullah Saafi Gulpaygaani:

Yes, it is haraam.

The response of His Eminence, Grand Ayatullah Mahdi Hadavi Tehrani is as follows:

No instrument in and of itself is considered haraam. However, if a musical instrument is played in a manner that is sexually arousing and befitting of immoral gatherings, this act would be considered haraam.

For further information, please refer to the following articles below:

“The Reason Behind the Permissibility and Impermissibility of Music”, Question 6964 (Website: 7088)

“What is meant by the disadvantages of Ghinaa and Music”, Question 6185 (Website: 6364)