The reception of Music as a therapeutic tool to address mental health concerns has always encountered an argument about the legitimacy of the Expression of Music in the contemporary Muslim World.
“The kind of music people listen to now days is forbidden,” a fellow’s response to the question, What is the stance of Islam about music?
The more significant question is what “kind of music” is “forbidden” in which “Communities of Interpretations” in Islam?
Islam as a civilization has a rich history of development in the field of Music. An early example is Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) hijrat from Mecca to Madina which marked an important milestone in the history of Islam. We often appreciate the welcoming behavior of the people of Madina, and the Qasida sung by them upon the arrival of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). Hence, what are the characteristics associated with this expression which succeeds to integrate with the beliefs of contemporary Muslims, and their tendencies to appreciate it?
Sapiens of Abuse took an initiative to lighten up a panel discussion among experts of various domains of Music – Dr. Karim Gillani, an expert in Islamic Studies and Music and Mr Sohail Noorani, a Music Therapist. The objective of this discussion was not limited to a scholarly response to the arguments of halal and haram around music, rather it focused to create an opportunity for the audience to extend their therapeutic preferences hindered by conventional beliefs.
COVID-19 lockdown has forced our lives into quarantine but also provides a waqfa (break) to reflect on our conventional beliefs; where the sphere of mental health is much desired to be addressed. A belief that our daily routine will overcome the mental health concerns is no longer in practice; hence it is required to force ourselves to explore new options to address those concerns. There are various options available in art, music, and architecture, but often our conventional belief system becomes the real hindrance to comprehend the importance of them as A medium of therapy.