Question:
Are vocal-only nasheeds allowed, especially when the voice mimics musical sounds?
Answer:
Wa alaykum as-salam wa rahmatullah.
Yes, vocal-only nasheeds are generally considered permissible as long as two key conditions are met:
1. No musical instruments are used.
If the nasheed relies solely on the human voice—even if it imitates instrument-like sounds—but does not include actual musical instruments that produce multiple tones (like string, wind, or percussion instruments), then it is allowed according to the majority of the madhhab.
2. The lyrical content is permissible.
The themes and messages conveyed in the nasheed must be in line with Islamic teachings. If the lyrics promote anything impermissible (such as immoral behavior, inappropriate language, or un-Islamic ideas), then the nasheed becomes impermissible regardless of how it sounds.
Therefor, If there are no instruments and the lyrics are appropriate, then nasheeds—even those that creatively use the voice—are allowed in Islam, according to the majority of the madhhab.