Music and art are transcendent forms of expression that imbue peace and tranquility within oneself.

They are often misconstrued as having no place in Islam, but this is completely false. Instead, the roles of music and art in Islam are grounded in the fundamentals of faith, spirituality, and morality that influence the way Muslims practice creative expression in their individual and collective lives. In its essence, the Islamic way of thinking highlights the purpose of existence as worshipping Allah (God), following His teachings, and developing a society that is morally conscious in every aspect. These views determine Muslims' attitude toward music and art, which focuses not only on the aesthetic aspect but the impact these art forms can have on the soul, community, and the divine.

Tawhid, or God's oneness, is one of the main spiritual concepts in Islam that impacts artistic expression. Tawhid states that the only source of creation, knowledge, and art is Allah Himself. Therefore, every piece of art or music should be the result of the artist's inner sense of modesty and humility and their role as a steward and purveyor of God's blessings. This perspective encourages the creation of artworks that induce sensations of humbleness, worship, and recognition of the Creator alongside the praise of His creations.

Throughout the history of Islam, Muslims have fulfilled the desire for worship through the use of abstract and geometric art forms, such as calligraphy and arabesque patterns, whereas they have avoided figurative art, especially of human or divine figures. The Quran does not specifically prohibit representations of living beings, yet Islamic tradition highlights the importance of staying away from idolatry, which would include the worship of any figure as divine. Consequently, art in Islam generally takes the form of creativity through abstract shapes, which might represent complexity, infinity, and the larger-than-life persona of God. Even calligraphy, as an art form, is used to decorate verses from the Quran and testify that the words of God are the most hallowed and effective medium to live life to the fullest while also being true to one's own aspirations.

Hence, Islamic art is usually quite different from that of the Western world. Floral patterns and plant ornamentations are indicative of a green spirit and an environmental sense, which develops from Muslims' respect for God's creation. This ethical orientation serves as a lesson to humans that they are only purveyors of God's love, which can be signified through various art and music forms appreciating the benevolent nature of Allah.

Another foundational concept in Islam that plays a positive role in music and art is moral character, called Akhlaq. This includes pious behaviours and acts such as forbearance, gratitude, and unpretentiousness that should direct a Muslim's daily activities. Art and music are regarded not just as mere distractions but as activities which can strengthen a person’s moral values. This method is found in many cases of Sufism, where music and poetry are used as vehicles to facilitate spiritual communication. Sufi music aims to highlight the oneness of God and His divinity while also being used as a medium to repent for one's sins and ask God for His blessings.

Furthermore, in Islam, music in of itself is not forbidden and is deemed acceptable in cases where the musical piece celebrates God's omnipotence. Most Muslims appreciate music for purposeful worship, glorifying the soul, or teaching peace and unity.

Hence, a song’s acceptability depends on its value on society. Islamic teachings place the good of society on a higher pedestal than personal goals and desires, even in the case of music and the arts. The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) states that, "Verily, the believers are like a structure, each part strengthening the other.” Hence, even through music and art, we should always consider the benefit to society. Musical events such as qawwali nights are, therefore, spiritual nights used to imbue a sense of gratitude and brotherhood amongst all Muslims.

One form of music that Islamic tradition celebrates is Nasheeds (a type of Islamic music meant to praise God), which cannot include instruments that have been traditionally seen in the secular world. Instead, Nasheeds are characterized by content and sound that goes back to the Quran, the stories of the prophets, and praise for Allah. Nasheeds are used to boost morals and ethics through the religious frame of music, allowing Muslim artists and musicians to balance their love for art with that of religious principles.

A problem many Muslims, including myself, have faced is perhaps the guilt experienced when listening to upbeat modern-day songs that do not align with Islamic values. Growing up, I often found myself caught in the dilemma of balancing my love for modern-day music with the depth and serenity offered by more traditional forms of Islamic music. The catchy beats and mainstream tunes were easy to enjoy, yet they left me searching for something more meaningful. I remember vividly the times I attended festivals where qawwali performances filled the air, their soulful melodies and rich spiritual energy wrapping around my heart like a comforting embrace. In those moments, I felt a connection beyond the music — something timeless and deeply rooted in tradition and history. Similarly, the calming effect of nasheeds has brought me a peace unmatched by anything else. Their simplicity and devotion create a sense of tranquility that modern music rarely provides.

These experiences have shaped my appreciation for music that speaks to the soul, leaving me torn between fleeting enjoyment and lasting serenity. However, as I've grown older, time after time, more often than not, I find myself yearning, longing for music that speaks to me on a deeper level; something that touches at the heartstrings and brings me solace that cannot be found elsewhere in other forms of music. It is this love for our faith that lays the foundation for our decisions.

In the end, the approach to art and music within Islam is based on this well-maintained and synchronized outlook of one's commitment to Allah, morality, and ethical and societal values. Art is not only a means of self-expression but is related to one's spirituality and the greater cause of serving Allah and being a good influence on society. Through concepts such as Tawhid, Akhlaq, and justice, Islamic tradition creates a thoughtful attitude toward creative expression, ultimately encouraging music and art that increase our knowledge of the Creator and strengthen our relationship with Him. This model produces an incomparable mix of beauty, spirituality, and ethics that are unique to Islamic art and music genres across several generations and cultures.