Watching Television Programs

Is listening to and watching songs on the radio or television forbidden in Islam at certain times of the night or day? Please inform us, may Allah reward you.

Answer: Yes, listening to songs and entertainment is forbidden in Islam, as Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) said: : The verse [Luqman: 6] and Most of the scholars said: It is singing, and added to it are also the sounds of entertainment such as the tanbur, the oud, the violin, and the like. All of these divert from the path of Allah, harden the hearts, and make them averse to listening to the Noble Qur'an. And the Lord (Glorified and Exalted is He) has informed us that this is among the causes of misguidance and leading astray, and among the causes of arrogance and distance from listening to the Book of Allah.
When the heart becomes accustomed to listening to songs and watching singers, it hardens thereby and is diverted from the truth, except for whom Allah has mercy. It also occupies him from obeying Allah and His Messenger, and from listening to the Qur'an and sermons. Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said: Indeed, singing causes hypocrisy to grow in the heart just as water causes plants to grow. And the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Al-Bukhari narrated it in his Sahih, suspended, with a definitive judgment. So he informed that in the last of time there will be people who consider musical instruments lawful, while they are forbidden. And musical instruments are songs and instruments of amusement. And Allah is the One to be sought for help.