Is there a Hadeeth where The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, aid that among the signs of the Hour is the use of musical instruments inside the Masjid? If this Hadeeth exists and is authentic, can we suggest that it refers to the use of cell phones?

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. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

We are not aware of any narration which indicates that among the signs of the Hour that music will be played inside the mosque. However, it is reported that one of the signs of the last days is that musical instruments will be widespread. Sahl Ibn Sa'd narrated that the Prophet said: ''A time will come when (Allaah) will cause the earth to swallow people, will cause metamorphosis to them and they will be thrown with stones." The companions asked: ''When will that happen? "The Prophet replied: ''When musical instruments and singing become widespread, and when people will have female singers and deem wine as lawful."

There is no doubt that musical tones in mobile phones that are widely used today is included within the meaning of the appearance and spread of musical instruments, which the narration indicated to be as one of the signs of the Hour. It is worth mentioning that musical ringing tones are included in the evidences of the prohibition of music. The Prophet said: "There will be some people of my nation who will practice fornication and adultery, wear silk, drink wine and use musical instruments and deem this as lawful." [Al-Bukhari]

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