startled, fleeing from a lion.” [Surah al-Muddaththir 49–51]

Allah Most High says:

“Do you then marvel at this revelation, and laugh rather than weep, while you amuse yourselves?” [Surah al-Najm 59–61]

More than one of the early generations explained this amusement as singing, as in the expression “Asmid lanā,” meaning “Sing for us.” Allah thus condemns those who turn away from what they are obliged to hear, occupying themselves instead with listening to singing. This is what many who neglect prayer and follow their desires do. It is also the condition of many who practice ascetic devotion, substituting listening to whistling and clapping for listening to the words of Allah Most High.

Similar to this are His words:

“And among people are those who purchase idle talk to lead others astray from Allah’s path without knowledge, and make a mockery of it.” [Surah Luqmān 6]

Allah Most High says:

“Indeed, those who disbelieve—it is all the same to them whether you warn them or do not warn them; they will not believe. Allah has set a seal upon their hearts and upon their hearing.”

Then He says:

“And over their eyes is a covering.” [Surah al-Baqarah 6–7]

Allah Most High says:

“They say, ‘Our hearts are veiled from what you call us to, there is deafness in our ears, and between us and you is a barrier. So act; we too are acting.’” [Surah Fussilat 5]