Can I take music class as a Muslim?

It depends on which scholarly view you follow and what the class involves. Scholars differ on musical instruments: many classical scholars forbid most of them, while others allow music with clean content. Either way, much of a music class, like singing clean songs, rhythm, percussion and music theory, is acceptable to many Muslims. Where the class is optional and you follow the stricter view, you can simply choose another subject.

The scholarly difference

The stricter view, held by the four classical schools (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i and Hanbali), is based on a hadith in which the Prophet ﷺ warned that some people of his nation would treat as lawful "illegal sexual intercourse, the wearing of silk, the drinking of alcoholic drinks and the use of musical instruments" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5590). These scholars still allow the daf (hand drum) at weddings and Eid.

The more lenient view, held by Ibn Hazm and some contemporary scholars, judges music by its content and effect. They point out that on an Eid day two girls were singing in the house of the Prophet ﷺ, and when Abu Bakr objected, he said: "O Abu Bakr! There is an 'Id for every nation and this is our 'Id" (Sahih al-Bukhari 952).

For the full picture, see Can I still listen to music after becoming Muslim?

What a music class usually involves

Theory and history: reading notes, rhythm, composers and how music works. Many Muslims who avoid instruments are comfortable learning about music.
Singing: voice-only singing with clean words is accepted by most scholars.
Percussion: drumming and rhythm work are closer to the daf, which almost all scholars allow in some settings.
Playing instruments: this is where the difference really matters.
Lyrics: songs about romance, drinking or other faiths' worship are a separate concern for everyone.

The Quran praises believers who avoid what's harmful with grace:

وَٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَشْهَدُونَ ٱلزُّورَ وَإِذَا مَرُّوا۟ بِٱللَّغْوِ مَرُّوا۟ كِرَامًۭا "And [they are] those who do not testify to falsehood, and when they pass near ill speech, they pass by with dignity." Quran 25:72

If the class is required

In some countries, music is part of the compulsory curriculum for younger students. If you follow the stricter view, talk to your teacher calmly. You could ask to:

focus on singing, rhythm or percussion instead of melodic instruments,
do written work on theory or music history,
swap a song with problematic lyrics for a different one.

Many teachers are happy to adjust when you ask respectfully and still do the work. If the class is an elective, choosing art, drama or another subject is the simplest route.

Respect both views

This is a genuine scholarly difference. If your parents or your local imam follow one view, it makes sense to follow their guidance while you're learning. Don't judge Muslim classmates who play in the school band, and don't let anyone make you feel strange for sitting out.

Key points

Scholars differ on musical instruments.
Theory, clean singing and rhythm are widely accepted.
Avoid lyrics that promote sin, whichever view you follow.
Ask your teacher for alternatives if needed.

Tip: If you choose to sit out instruments, offer your teacher an alternative right away, like a short project on a composer or the history of rhythm. Teachers respond far better to a plan than to a refusal.

Can I take music class as a Muslim?

The scholarly difference

What a music class usually involves

If the class is required

Respect both views

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