The short answer is: Technically, yes—but with a heavy “it depends” on the context.
In Islamic jurisprudence, listening to music or watching TV does not break the physical fast (meaning you don’t have to redo the day). However, because Ramadan is a month of spiritual “detox,” many people change their habits to avoid “diminishing the reward” of their fast.
Here is the breakdown of how this is usually viewed:
1. The “Legal” Status (Does it break the fast?)
No. The fast is invalidated by eating, drinking, smoking, or sexual activity between dawn and sunset.
Entertainment like TV or music does not physically enter the body, so the fast remains valid.
2. The “Spiritual” Status (The Goal of Ramadan)
Ramadan is meant to be a time of Taqwa (God-consciousness). The goal is to steer the heart away from worldly distractions and toward prayer, charity, and the Quran.
The Argument Against: Many scholars and practitioners argue that loud music or mindless TV shows are “idle talk/distraction” (Laghw). If you are spending three hours watching a sitcom, that is three hours you aren’t reflecting or helping others.
The “Pure” Approach: Many Muslims choose to “fast with their ears and eyes” as well. This means avoiding anything that contains foul language, suggestive themes, or promotes values contrary to the spirit of the month.
3. Practical Alternatives to Entertainment like TV or music
If you find yourself bored or needing background noise, many people swap their usual playlist for:
Podcasts: Educational or spiritual series.
Nasheeds: Vocal-only Islamic songs.
Quran Recitation: Listening to the Quran is considered a highly rewarded act during this month.
Documentaries: Watching educational content or nature shows is generally seen as neutral or positive.
The “Gray Area” Rule
A common piece of advice during Ramadan is: If the content makes it harder for you to feel spiritual or stay patient, skip it. If a certain TV show makes you feel more irritable or distracted from your prayers, it’s best to hit pause until after Eid. If you are watching the news or an educational program to stay informed, most consider that perfectly fine.