What is the ruling on nasheeds?

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, may Allah’s peace, mercy, and blessings be upon you. May Allah be a witness to my love for you. Please, from your honor, clarify the ruling on nasheeds (religious songs), and may Allah reward you with good?

Answer:
The Muslim has no business with nasheeds. Nasheeds for children and the young are not for students of knowledge or sensible men; rather, they are a form of amusement. They are for children and those in their category. As for students of knowledge and sensible men, they should elevate themselves above them and occupy themselves with the remembrance of Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) and the recitation of the Qur'an. This is because listening to nasheeds leads to listening to songs. If the listening to nasheeds continues, it will lead to listening to forbidden songs. Also, because some nasheeds involve the use of the hand drum and instruments of amusement, the Muslim should stay away from them and not celebrate with them.