assalamu 'alaykum my mom bought a music player long time ago, and she used to tell me to download so and so songs to it. after some time, i then stopped listening to music, and i didnt even want to support anyone else to carry on sinning. i then told her politely that i cannot download music on to it, but Qur'an recitiation im prepared to download for u, in sha Allaah. she got upset, though deep down i reckon she understands. anyway, she doesnt use that music player now, as there is no music in it i guess anymore. i think she even said to me tht u can keep it, but even if she did say this, i assume she said it out of anger. i want to ask her if she wants to listen to Qur'an recitiation on it, and if she doesnt want to use it much, then is it okay if i use it? ... but talking to her sometimes is hard, espeacially nowadays, so i dont want to ask her whether i can use it or not, because it MAY start her off shooting hurtful words. the music player is at the moment not being used by her. so i am wondering if i can use it? i want to listen to islamic lectures and Qur'an recitiation. however, would using it without her consent be okay in this case? she has never told me that u cant use it, and she hasnt been using it for a long time herself, nor does she probably intend to use it anymore, but still, she had bought it for herself, so can i now use it without actually asking her? i do a have laptop to watch videos on, but the sound quality isnt tht good, espeacially when listening through with headphones. i need headphones, because i dont want mom to know that i am trying to learn more about islam more, in sha Allaah

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.

{C}Indeed, you did well by refraining from helping in an act of disobedience to Allaah, which includes listening to forbidden songs and musical instruments. Refraining from helping others do this is required in Islam. Allaah says (what means): {And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allaah; indeed, Allaah is severe in penalty.} [Quran 5:2]

It is not permissible to obey your mother in disobedience to Allaah. ‘Ali narrated that the Prophet said: “There is no obedience to a creature in disobeying the Creator; obedience is required only in what is permissible.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

For more benefit, please refer to Fatwa 84942. Also, refer to Fataawa 81239 and 81545 on the ruling on music and musical instruments.

You are obliged to repent for aiding in sin in the past. For more benefit on the conditions of repentance, please refer to Fatwa 86527.

If speaking to your mother about what you mentioned or asking her about it may irritate her, then it is not permissible for you to raise such matters with her, since harming her is a form of undutifullness to her.

In principle, it is forbidden to use the belongings of others without their permission. The Prophet said: “The money of a Muslim is not lawful (for anyone else to take it from him) unless he gives it with his own proper consent.” [Ahmad]

Therefore, if your mother gives you permission to use this device, or if you know that she has given consent after you have used it, then it is permissible; otherwise, it is forbidden based on the above-mentioned principle.

Allaah Knows best.