Is it permissible to engage in singing and music entertainment before Eid al-Fitr, and how should the sanctity of Ramadan and Syawal be preserved?

Summary

Islam does not forbid entertainment, including singing and music, as long as it contains nothing prohibited such as alcohol, unrestrained mixing of the sexes, lyrics that contradict the sharia and Islamic creed, or anything that distracts from religious duties. Even as Syawal approaches, the sanctity of Ramadan must still be upheld, and Muslims are urged to keep worshipping in its final days. A person who fasts yet commits sin is regarded as a loser whose fast carries no value before Allah. Disregarding Muslim sensitivities or appearing to mock the sanctity of the religion goes against a Muslim's character.

Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.