Ĥay falāḥ-o-kāmrānī narmī-o-āsānī mayn
Ĥer banā kām bigař jātā ĥay nādānī mayn
Success and prosperity exist in softness and gentleness
Every good thing falls apart with foolishness
Question: Can Islamic sisters watch a video of male naat reciters?
Answer: I personally strongly disapprove of this. Firstly, the ‘magic’ of a sweet voice, secondly, images of young men (dressed in fancy studio outfits, with ‘Artificial Nūr’ on the reciter’s face as a result of studio lighting), and thirdly, their hand gestures; all create a strong chance of arousing a woman’s emotions and can cause punishment for her rather than spiritual reward.
Question: So then can Islamic sisters not listen to Na’ats recited by non-Maḥram men on cassettes either?
Answer: Listening to and reciting Na’ats is definitely a virtuous act; however, a woman should not listen to a Na’at recited by a non-Maḥram because his melodious voice could be problematic for her. Ṣaḥīḥ Bukhārī mentions that the Prophet of Raḥmaĥ, the Intercessor of Ummaĥ, the Owner of Jannaĥ صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم had a companion called Anjashaĥ رَضِىَ اللهُ تَعَالٰی عَـنْهُ who recited melodious poetry to make camels move faster. His voice was extremely melodious. (Once whilst some men and women were travelling together, Sayyidunā Anjashaĥ رَضِىَ اللهُ تَعَالٰی عَـنْهُ was singing some poetry) The Noblest Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ تَـعَـالٰى عَـلَيْـهِ وَاٰلـِهٖ وَسَـلَّم said to him, ‘O Anjashaĥ! Quietly; lest you break these fragile bottles.’ (Ṣaḥīḥ Bukhārī, vol. 4, pp. 158, Ḥadīš 6211)