Songs, Music and Television series

Question :

What is the Islamic ruling regarding listening to songs and music, and to watching television series?

Answer:

No doubt, it is forbidden to listen to songs and music. Our pious predecessors, including those from the Tabi'in (Companions of the Prophet's ﷺ Companions), have warned that music causes hypocrisy to grow in the heart and that music is from the "Lahw Al-Hadith" referred to in Allah's saying:
"And of mankind is he who purchases (Lahw Al-Hadith) idle talk to mislead from the Path of Allah without knowledge, and takes it by way of mockery. For such there will be a humiliating torment."

Ibn Mas'ud, may Allah be pleased with him, explained this verse: "By Allâh, and none has the right to be worshipped except Him, it is singing."

The interpretation of a Companion is an acceptable proof, and in terms of the interpretation of the Qur'an, it comes third in the following ranking:

1) The Qur'an explained by another verse of the Qur'an.

2) The Sunnah explaining the Qur'an.

3) The sayings of the Companions explaining the Qur'an.

Some even have gone on to say that a saying of a Companion regarding the Tafsir of the Qur'an is at the same level as a saying of the Prophet, but the correct view is that it does not hold the same status, it is merely nearer to what is correct.

Furthermore, listening to singing and music, falls under the category of that which the Messenger of Allah ﷺ warned against when he said:

"There will be from my Nation a people who will deem fornication, silk (for men), alcohol, and music to be permissible."

So I warn my brothers not to listen to singing and music, and not to be confused by those knowledgeable people who permit, for the proofs that indicate that it is unlawful are clear and straightforward.

Television series that have in them women are unlawful as long as they cause temptation and attraction to female actresses. Television series, in general, are harmful, even if there are no female actresses or women watching men in them. The aim or purpose behind most of these shows is to corrupt the manners and morals of society, so I ask Allah Almighty to protect Muslims from the evil found in these shows and to guide our leaders to work for the welfare of Muslims. And Allah knows best.