A Sister's Advice for Those Finding It Hard to Let Go of Music

Salam everyone. If you're trying to stop listening to music and it feels like a constant struggle, I understand. I stopped completely three years ago, alhamdulillah, and here’s what actually worked for me. I tried all the usual advice-deleting apps, going cold turkey, switching to podcasts. Nothing lasted. The craving for that rhythm and tune always came back. The real change didn't come from sheer willpower. It came from truly loving the Quran. Let me explain... Not in a boring, forced way. Not just playing a long recitation in the background. I mean actively seeking out reciters-those amazing sheikhs who feel every single word they are saying. You can hear the emotion in their voice. It’s the kind of recitation that makes you stop whatever you’re doing and just listen, completely captivated. Like a sheikh in prayer with full khushoo. It’s truly mind-blowing. When I discovered that, music just lost its appeal. It couldn't compare. A bit about me: I’m a revert. Islam found me through the Quran alone. I was 15. Your average kid, a bit arrogant, active on social media. Then, a foolish decision led to a terrifying experience that left me obsessed with thoughts of death, punishment, and falsehood. I felt trapped in a dark loop, convinced I was being punished. I didn't know much about Islam then, but I knew about the One God, and I knew I was astray. The fear was overwhelming. That feeling stayed with me for months-panic attacks, terrifying thoughts about existence and what comes after. Later, I met a Muslim brother. Neither of us were very practicing at the time, but we were both searching. During a particularly bad panic attack one night, he simply started reciting Surah Al-Fatiha. The moment he began, my heart found a peace it had never known. I asked him to recite it again and again. Each time it ended, I begged him to repeat it. It gave me a sense of tranquility I had never felt. The most beautiful peace imaginable. He shared more beautiful recitations with me and spoke about the reality of the hereafter. That very night, I accepted Islam. Alhamdulillah. So, back to leaving music behind. Allah guided me with the Quran when I was a disbeliever. Just imagine its power for someone who already believes it is the literal speech of Allah. You believe this is the word of your Creator, yet you choose songs made by people instead? That realization alone made quitting easy for me. If you're looking for a place to start, here are some channels that share short, powerful clips-the kind that touch your heart deeply and are easy to save and return to: - Tranquil Quran, especially Al-Luhaidan's recitations. His voice is transformative. - Echoes of the Haramain, particularly Yasser Al-Dossari's emotional recitations. - Healing Orchestra, which mixes different reciters and is very calming. You can find them on major audio streaming platforms. Just search the names. Give them a listen and follow if they resonate with you. I won't say it’s always easy. But once you find a reciter whose voice moves your soul, the journey becomes so much lighter. May Allah make it easy for everyone struggling with this. 🤲