Assalaamu alaikum, What is the ruling on hanging wind chimes. Is the noise they make considered music? Are they like bells? Moreover, in the past, they were used with the intention to ward off ill omens. Is it permissible to hang them without having that intention? Jazak Allah khair

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

Wind chimes are hanging configurations of metal or glass pieces combined with pieces of other material, such as wood, that chime when pushed by the wind. Therefore, they are not real bells even if they are called bells, and they are not included in the evil bells that are forbidden. Hence, in principle, it is permissible to use them.

However, if the situation is as you mentioned in the question that in the past they are used to ward off evil as believed by some people, then it is not permissible to use them even with a good intention, because using them may be a reason for reviving that false belief again.

Allaah Knows best.