As for carrying a dog along, it has already been mentioned that the angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog—except for the dogs that the law exempts: a dog kept for tillage, for livestock, or for hunting. Such dogs are not blameworthy.

The bells found in alarm clocks and similar devices are not included in the prohibition, for they are not attached to animals; they ring only at a set time to alert a person. The same ruling applies to the bell affixed to some doors so that visitors may request permission to enter. This too is permissible and does not fall under the censure, because it is not hung on an animal and it does not produce the pleasurable melody that the Messenger ﷺ forbade.

On certain telephones, however, when you call and the recipient is not available, you are told, “Please wait,” and then music is played. This is unlawful, for music is among the instruments of entertainment and it is prohibited. If someone cannot reach the person he needs except through such a system, the sin is upon the one who installed the music. Still, whoever hears it should advise the phone’s owner, saying, “Disconnect this tone; let the message simply say, ‘Please wait,’ and then remain silent until the wanted party comes on the line.”

As for playing a recording of the Quran while the caller is on hold—so that, after an instruction to wait, verses of the Quran are recited—this degrades the speech of Allah, treating it as a mere tool for signalling that one must wait. The Quran was revealed for something far more noble and exalted: it came down to reform hearts and deeds, and for that lofty purpose it was revealed.