Music in Islamic Spiritual Care: A Review of Classical Sources

What is it about?

The primary goal of this article is to describe spiritual and religious considerations of music in Islamic spiritual care for enhancing spiritual care to Muslims. In medieval times in the Muslim world, music played an important role in healthcare practices. For example music was used not only to enhance spirituality of patients but also to improve their health. Many Muslim scholars and musicians used musical theory and techniques as a way of connecting patients with the Divine, inspiring hope and finding meaning in their crisis, suffering and illness. Therefore music can be used in spiritual care for Muslims as a tool to connect patients with spiritual sources of strength.

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Why is it important?

Classical Muslim scholars gave importance to music for its role in the health of the human soul. They laid the foundation for professional music therapy and explained the rules and ethics of music. Based on their empirical and philosophical explanation of music, in medieval times many Muslim hospitals hired professional music therapists to serve as part of patient care teams. Any financial expenses related to music therapy were covered by charitable organizations or by the state. Based on their experiences, music is a valuable tool in Islamic spiritual care in order to bring about a significant improvement in the emotional, spiritual, mental and physical health of patients.