Aslam

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Chapter IX: Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil

(4) Fourth rule. At the time of hearing religious songs, don't stand up, cry hoars but restrain yourself from these acts. It has been reported from many companions that they danced out of joy. After the death of Hazrat Hamza a quarrel ensured among Hazrat AH , Jafar and Zaid regarding the maintenance of the children of Jafar. The Prophet said to Hazrat AH : You are from me and I am from you. At this good news, Hazrat AH began to dance. The Prophet said to Jafar : You resemble me in character and conduct. At this Jafar also began to dance in joy. He said to the slave Zaid : You are our brother and chief. He also danced in joy. Then the Prophet gave charge of the children of Hamza to Jafar as the wife of Jafar was the maternal uncle of the children and a maternal uncle is like mother. In another narration, it has been reported that the Prophet allowed Ayesha to see the dance of some Abyssinian slaves. Ecstacy sometimes becomes so strong that one cannot restrain himself and does act contrary to his habits.

(5) Fifith rule. If anyone stands up out of ecstacy among a group, others also should stand up as it is a rule of good manners of association.

(6) Sixth rule. There is another sort of ecstacy namely ecstacy for show which is illegal and should not be shown in any respect.

So from what has been stated above, songs sometimes become lawful and sometimes unlawful According to the circumstances of each case . Sometimes it becomes undesirable .
It is unlawful for those youths whose sexual passion is strong as it increase their hidden vices in their minds. It is not illegal for those who enjoy good moral songs and it is commendable for those religious persons who are engrossed in divine love. God knows best.

Source: Imam Al-Ghazali, Ihya Ulum al-Din (Revival of the Islamic Sciences)
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