Does Islam permit entertainment and music, and how do scholars define music?

Summary

This Bayan Linnas explains that Islam allows its followers to enjoy entertainment as long as it does not exceed the limits of the Shariah, since the desire for recreation is part of human nature and not every moment is required to be spent in worship. It highlights the principle that the default ruling of things is permissibility, while whatever leads to the forbidden is itself forbidden and doubtful matters should be avoided. The term al-ma'azif is defined as musical instruments or amusements, while al-ghina' refers to singing with melody and intonation.

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