By: Rachida Lamri | Date: February 10, 2026 | Newarab.com In medieval Muslim-ruled Iberia, during the golden age of Al Andalus, a certain chamber music was born. It evolved and echoed for centuries in the royal palaces, noble courts and culture of Córdoba, Seville and Granada. This music was forged over time and, quite literally, through movement: musicians, poets and theorists arrived…
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In the Muslim world, one of the most debated cultural topics is whether music and entertainment are halal (permissible) or haram (forbidden) in Islam. Like many issues in religion, the answer isn’t simple—and it depends on interpretation, culture, and context. Why the Debate? The Qur’an does not explicitly forbid music. However, some scholars refer to certain hadiths (sayings of the…
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The oud (pronounced “ood”) is one of the oldest stringed instruments in the world and a central piece of traditional Arabic music. Its name comes from the Arabic word al-ʿūd, meaning “wood.” The instrument has a pear-shaped body, a short neck without frets, and typically 11 strings grouped in pairs. Origins and History The oud dates back thousands of years,…
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