Shaykh al-Islām, the pre-eminent scholar of his age, Taqī al-Dīn Abū al-ʿAbbās Ahmad ibn ʿAbd al-Halīm ibn ʿAbd al-Salām ibn ʿAbd Allāh ibn Abī al-Qāsim ibn Taymiyyah al-Harrānī—may Allah be pleased with him—was asked:

About a “group” who gather with the intention of committing major sins, including murder, highway robbery, theft, drinking wine, and other such acts. A shaykh known for his righteousness and adherence to the Sunnah sought to prevent these people from doing so, but found no way except to arrange a listening session for them, at which they would gather for this purpose. This involved a frame drum without jingles and a singer singing permissible poetry, without a flute.

When he did this, a number of them repented. People who had neglected prayer, committed theft, and failed to pay zakat began to avoid doubtful matters, fulfil their religious obligations, and abstain from forbidden things. Is it permissible for this shaykh to arrange such listening sessions in this manner because of the benefits they produce, given that he cannot call them to righteousness by any other means?

He replied:

Praise be to Allah, Lord of all worlds.

The foundation of the answer to this question and others like it is to recognize that Allah sent Muhammad