Islam and Music: From Prohibition to the Science of Ecstasy

From early Baghdad to Qawwali and Iraqi maqam, Joseph Braude and Islamic scholars explore how Islam shapes music across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia.

Hip Deep August 28, 2025

From early Baghdad to Qawwali and Iraqi maqam, Joseph Braude and Islamic scholars explore how Islam shapes music across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia.

Islam’s relationship with the arts has always been layered, contradictory, and fascinating, especially when it comes to music. Across centuries and continents, the faith has both nurtured sublime musical traditions and imposed restrictions on them. This episode traces that tension back to early Baghdad and follows it through Iraq, Iran, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Pakistan, and beyond. Along the way, we hear ecstatic sounds that grew out of devotion and dissent alike.

Middle East specialist and author Joseph Braude joins two Islamic scholars to unravel the historic roots and contemporary stakes of this ongoing debate.

Originally aired in 2008. Produced by Banning Eyre. APWW #561
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