Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
Is it permissible to listen to music?
This depends on the instrument which is being listened to. If it is an instrument that the sacred texts forbid, such as the mizmar (a flute that has a reed) then it is impermissible to listen to it. If it is an instrument that is not prohibited, such as a daff (tambourine) or a nayy (hollow flute) then it is permissible, although there is a difference of opinion amongst the scholars regarding the nayy.