12:42 at the very least,…20:50 there's a difference…23:09 not only do we have to…
Prayer & worshipFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 3, 2025.

Avoid music that corrupts the heart

Masjid ‘Eesa · Zakareeya Baksh

“Not only do we have to stay away from haram, but we have to provide halal and permissible alternatives.”

The khateeb, at 23:09

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

The khutbah argues that intentional engagement with music and musical instruments can corrupt the heart and draw Muslims from Allah, so believers should avoid it, not publicize it, and replace it with Quran, dhikr, and permissible alternatives.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Explains Iblis’s incitement and Quranic warnings about distracting voices
  2. Presents prophetic warnings and scholarly consensus against musical instruments
  3. Discusses music’s prevalence and claimed effects on the heart and behavior
  4. Distinguishes accidentally hearing music from intentionally listening
  5. Recommends Quran, dhikr, and limited permissible alternatives
  6. Closes by urging love, recitation, understanding, and implementation of the Quran
Try this week
Avoid intentionally listening to music and musical instruments.
Move away from music or block it out when feasible in public settings.
Do not broadcast or publicly display sinful listening habits.
Replace music with Quran recitation, dhikr, and other permissible alternatives.
Find a Quran reciter you love and listen, understand, implement, and teach the Quran.
Use permitted duff performances only within the limited occasions described by the speaker.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 17Used Iblis’s command to incite people with his voice and make false promises.
Surah 31Used lahw al-hadith to argue that distracting amusements can mislead from Allah’s path.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“at the very least, don't expose your sin. Don't expose yourself in front of the people.”
Masjid ‘Eesa · Hollis, NY
Play from 12:42
“there's a difference between hearing music. and listening to music. Those are two different things.”
Masjid ‘Eesa · Hollis, NY
Play from 20:50
“not only do we have to stay away from haram, but we have to provide halal and permissible alternatives.”
Masjid ‘Eesa · Hollis, NY
Play from 23:09
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today’s khutbah warned that music and musical instruments can pull a person’s attention and emotions away from Allah, especially when they become a constant habit. The speaker distinguished accidentally hearing music in public from intentionally choosing to listen, and encouraged people to leave or avoid it when possible. He also urged parents to offer halal alternatives rather than only issuing prohibitions, including Quran recitation, dhikr, and permitted forms such as the duff in certain celebrations. The khutbah reminded us not to display sins publicly and encouraged us to replace harmful habits with love for the Quran. The goal is to protect the heart, find rest in Allah’s remembrance, and help one another with patience.

  1. Where might we accidentally hear music, and how can we respond without making life unnecessarily difficult?
  2. What Quran-centered or halal alternatives could help someone replace a habit?
  3. How can we support someone who is struggling without embarrassing or exposing them?
Where it was given

The masjid

Masjid ‘Eesa ibn Maryam90-20 191st St, Hollis, NY 11423Jumu'ah 1:15 PMKhateebZakareeya BakshMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at Masjid ‘Eesa62 khutbahs
Keep listening

More on Prayer & worship

All on this topic
The remembrance of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala is something very powerful.9:18ISCN · Corona, CA · Oct 24, 2026Knowing Allah makes worship joyfulAli Khan Center · Suitland, MD · Oct 10, 2026Give the weekly prayer your full attention“Don't just time it so you get maybe five-minute kutbah and a five-minute salat, and you're out in 10 minutes.”Don't set your floor at your peak time, like in Ramadan.19:52Al-Noor · Santa Clara, CA · Oct 24, 2026Build a sustainable spiritual floor