Is it true that all musical instruments are forbidden, or is the prohibition specific to immoral songs and loud music? And if they are forbidden, why did Allah give us this talent, with evidence from the Quran and Sunnah?

The majority of the Salaf and the Khalaf (early and later generations of scholars) hold the view that all types of musical instruments are forbidden. Numerous scholars have narrated a consensus on this matter. The prohibition is supported by the Almighty's saying: "And of the people is he who buys the amusement of speech to mislead [others] from the way of Allah without knowledge and takes it in ridicule. Those will have a humiliating punishment." Ibn Mas'ud interpreted this as singing. It is also supported by the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "There will be among my Ummah people who will consider unlawful sexual intercourse, silk, alcoholic drinks, and musical instruments as lawful." The duff (hand drum) is an exception in the context of marriage, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "The distinction between what is lawful and what is unlawful is the duff and voices in marriage." If this is accompanied by obscene singing, or singing that incites desires, or leads to intermingling (of sexes), the sin is multiplied. Vocal and musical talents should be utilized in obedience to Allah, such as in reciting the Quran or in serving humanity.