Egypt’s Al-Azhar, Dar al-Ifta Issue Warning Against Quran Recitations with Music

IQNA – Al-Azhar and Dar al-Ifta in Egypt have announced that creating and broadcasting clips of Quran recitations accompanied by music is prohibited, as it is considered disrespectful to the Holy Quran.

The Al-Azhar Islamic Center and Dar al-Ifta have warned citizens against sharing clips of Quran recitations with music, emphasizing that this practice is legally forbidden and constitutes a violation of the sanctity of the Quran, according Arabi 21.

The Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism recently noted the spread of a new phenomenon called "Quranic Songs," where Quranic verses are recited with Western music under the guise of innovation in presenting Quranic stories. These clips are reportedly created using artificial intelligence and shared through anonymous accounts.

The Observatory stressed that the Quran is the word of God and His eternal miracle, and reciting it with music is religiously prohibited.

It clarified that interpreting the Hadith "Whoever does not recite Quran in a nice voice is not from us" as an invitation to sing the Quran is a distortion of its true meaning, which is to recite the Quran beautifully.

The Observatory added that this phenomenon is part of a broader offensive targeting the Quran and Muslims, following actions such as burning the Quran and attempts to distort its verses.

The body also warned that adopting this Western style under the pretext of making Quran memorization easier is an insult to the rich heritage of Quranic recitation, especially by renowned Egyptian reciters.

The Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism called on the country's legislature to criminalize insults to religions and to establish new laws regulating the use of artificial intelligence in dealing with religious texts and sacred matters.

Dar al-Ifta also emphasized that promoting these clips is legally prohibited, as following them aids in spreading falsehoods and evil thoughts. The organization urged Muslims to report channels that broadcast these clips, as they promote hatred and insult religions.

Dar al-Ifta noted that reciting the Quran with musical instruments and in a singing tone is religiously forbidden.

4237787