Can I study music or fine arts at university as a Muslim?

Music: a real difference of opinion

• The majority view: most scholars of the four schools (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i and Hanbali) hold that musical instruments are not allowed, apart from the daff (hand drum) on occasions like weddings. They cite the hadith about people who "consider... the use of musical instruments, as lawful" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5590).
• A minority view: some scholars, such as Ibn Hazm in the past and a number of contemporary scholars, allow instruments when the lyrics are clean and the setting is free of sin.
• The voice: singing without instruments, with good words, is allowed by many. Two young girls sang at Aisha's home on Eid, and when Abu Bakr objected, the Prophet ﷺ said: "There is an 'Id for every nation and this is our 'Id" (Sahih al-Bukhari 952).

If you follow the majority view, a performance degree centered on instruments would be a problem. Some students in that position choose vocal or nasheed work, acoustics or audio technology. If you follow the permissive view, keep your content and environment clean. See Can I still listen to music after becoming Muslim?

Fine arts: images of living beings

The main debate in art is about making images of people and animals. A painter once told Ibn Abbas he earned his living from pictures. Ibn Abbas warned him with a hadith, then said: "If you insist on making pictures I advise you to make pictures of trees and any other unanimated objects" (Sahih al-Bukhari 2225).

• Sculpture of people or animals: most scholars do not allow full three-dimensional figures of living beings.
• Drawing and painting faces: scholars differ. Some forbid it, while others allow it, especially for study or with incomplete figures.
• Photography and film: many contemporary scholars see a camera image as different from hand-made pictures, though some disagree.

See Can I draw people in art class as a Muslim?

Areas with wide agreement

Islamic civilization has a stunning artistic heritage, and much of it is open to everyone:

• Calligraphy, geometric pattern and illumination
• Architecture and interior design
• Landscape, still life and abstract painting
• Ceramics, textiles, typography and graphic design
• Art history, including Islamic art

Practical points before you enroll

• Check the modules: life drawing classes often use nude models. That's a modesty issue whatever your view on drawing, so ask whether a clothed model or alternative work is possible.
• Think about your career: a design, architecture or illustration path may let you use your talent with fewer concerns.
• Ask a scholar you trust: explain your actual course, not just the subject name. The details matter a lot here.

Whatever you choose, the Prophet ﷺ taught that "The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1). Using your creativity with a good intention can be a real form of worship.