Music- A Behavioral Addiction
In Surah Luqman (verse 6), the Arabic words “Zoor” and “Laghv” encompass all forms of useless entertainment. Idle or useless talk (including offensive lyrics with music, misleading information, pointless debates, useless talk shows, backbiting, etc.) is considered a waste of time, distracting people from the remembrance of Allah and their purpose in life. The Quran warns us: “O believers! Intoxicants, gambling, idols, and drawing lots for decisions are all evil of Satan’s handiwork. So shun them so you may be successful.” (Al-Maidah, Verse 90)
Music has the capacity to activate the reward centers in the human brain, and this can lead to behavioral addiction. Music has been likened to a drug by researchers, as its addictive nature produces pleasure in a similar manner to drugs, alcohol, fast food, sex, and gambling. Reports such as those in Oliver Sacks’ “Musicophilia” (2007) and other studies suggest that certain individuals demonstrate compulsive and addictive behaviors related to listening to music, which exhibit symptoms akin to those observed in gambling disorder and substance use disorder.
If we examine today’s music lyrics, we often find that much of the content praises others, tells lies, glorifies crime, and encourages illegal, risky, and self-destructive behavior. Listening to lyrics with music repeatedly can program your behavior. A study conducted in Finland researched the relationship between music and mental health and suggested that listening to a high amount of sad music has a negative impact on our thought process. Happy music makes you happy, and sad music makes you sad. This can contribute to rapid fluctuations in emotional stability. Researchers have also found that music directly affects human RNA, altering gene and brain function. Exposure to excessively loud music, especially over extended periods, can cause hearing loss, which is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia, distraction and attention deficits, sleep disruption, and rumination.
Narrated Abu Amir or Abu Malik Al-Ashari: that he heard the Prophet (PBUH) saying, “Among my followers there will be some people who will consider illegal sexual intercourse, the wearing of silk, the drinking of alcoholic drinks, and the use of musical instruments as lawful. And there will be some people who will stay near the side of a mountain, and in the evening their shepherd will come to them with their sheep and ask them for something, but they will say to him, ‘Return to us tomorrow.’ Allah will destroy them during the night and will let the mountain fall on them, and He will transform the rest of them into monkeys and pigs, and they will remain so till the Day of Resurrection.” (Sahih al-Bukhari) People with musical obsessions may develop abnormalities in the right hemisphere and experience motor, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms similar to those of monkeys and pigs, such as difficulty concentrating, mood swings, musical hallucinations, insensitivity to differences in musical pitch, difficulty thinking, and understanding, repetitive behavior. etc. Both apes and pigs are intelligent mammals capable of solving challenging problems, displaying a wide range of emotions, and enjoying music, but they cannot differentiate right from wrong. To me, reasoning separates humans from animals in terms of cognition and intelligence.
Sometimes, songs act as influencers, like anthems or protest songs, and can stir collective emotions. However, listening to sad or negative music for prolonged periods can reinforce feelings of sadness, depression, or anxiety. Some individuals might use music as a way to escape from their problems, leading to avoidance rather than addressing underlying issues. Long-term exposure to certain types of music can lead to changes in brain structure, particularly in areas involved in processing sound, emotion, and memory. Many rock stars have adopted lifestyles that include heavy drinking, promiscuity, and the promotion of sexuality and substance use. This can influence younger generations to emulate these behaviors and mislead them from the right path.
Some researchers might argue that music serves as a form of therapy. However, it is advisable to avoid the addictive nature of music due to its potential harms outweighing its benefits. Just as Allah prohibited alcohol despite recognizing its minimal benefits, indicating a greater good. The Quran mentions: “They ask you O Prophet about intoxicants and gambling. Say, ‘There is great evil in both, as well as some benefit for people — but the evil outweighs the benefit.’” (2: 219)
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who knew his limits, allowed certain musical instruments (e.g., daf) during marriage celebrations and Eid days. The drum and daf have historically been used as a powerful tool to encourage and motivate soldiers in various ways, including marching coordination and pacing. However, in the absence of beneficial content or during celebrations like Eid, weddings, and important events, it’s advisable to avoid music.
Indeed, hearts find solace in the remembrance of Allah and listening to the Quran. If you appreciate creativity or seek a deeper understanding through lyrics while aiming to enhance emotional well-being, you may find solace in listening to insightful Islamic songs that consist solely of vocals (without music) or listening inspirational and motivational poems.
