Question

Nowadays many mobile phones have a whistling ring tone,

1) What is mentioned in the Hadith regarding whistling?

2) Is this considered the same as music and thus the person will be sinful?

Answer

 

In Surah Al Anfal, Allah Ta’ala describes the Salah that the Mushrikun [Polytheists] would offer:

“Their Salah by the Ka’bah is merely whistling and clapping”

Mujahid (rahimahullah), the student of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) says “they would place their fingers in their mouth and whistle”

(Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Surah Anfal, verse: 35)

The above verse is not discussing the permissibility or impermissibility of whistling. It is merely describing the type of Salah the Mushrikun would perform to cause a disturbance and distract Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).

I have not come across an authentic Hadith which discusses whistling.

Imam Daylami (rahimahullah) has recorded a narration which mentions “whistling” to be from character of the People of Lut (‘alayhis salam). However this narration has been transmitted via fabricators. The Hadith is not suitable to quote.

(Refer: Musnadul Firdaws, Hadith: 4081 and Kanzul ‘Ummal, Hadith: 44058)

Kindly note that this is not a fatwa regarding the permissibility or impermissibility of whistling. Please refer to a reputable Mufti/Darul Ifta for a ruling on whistling and if it follows the rule of music.

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar