Instruments
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Some Muslims believe that only vocal music is permissible (halal) and that instruments are forbidden (haram). Hence there is a strong tradition of a cappella devotional singing.
Other Muslims will accept drums, but no other instruments.
Yet other Muslims believe that any instrument is lawful as long as it is used for the permissible kinds of music. Hence there is a long tradition of instrumental accompaniment to devotional songs. A wide variety of instruments may be used, depending on local musical traditions.
Traditional:
- Drums (daf, bendir, zarb, rebana...)
- Gongs
- Stringed instruments
- Bowed (rebab, kemencheh...)
- Plucked (tar, tanbour, oud...)
- Wind instruments (ney...)
- Reed instruments (shehnai...)
Recent introductions:
- Harmonium (popular in Pakistan and India)
Read more about this topic: Islamic Music
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