Ruling on Music in Shopping Malls.

Q; Ok what about the shopping malls (where Music is played)

A; All-Praise is due to Allah,
Undoubtedly it is almost impossible for those whom live in Western countries or even some Arabic and Muslims lands to avoid Music being played in Malls and Shopping centers. With out a doubt Music is considered Haram no matter where it is, but it is hard to avoid it. If the Mall/or shopping center one go's to is the only place that they can get their necessities from, then they must go and get only what is required from there and hasten leave detesting the evil of this place. Verily for these places are not liked by Allah The All-High, the Prophet The (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, "The most beloved places to Allah on earth are the masajid, and the most hated places to Allah on earth are the markets places” (Muslim).

Besides the fact that it is better for women to avoid these places to protect herself and others form Fitnah, it was stated in a Fatwa on this issue as follows,
Undoubtedly it is better for women to stay at home, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And stay in your houses” [al-Ahzaab 33:33]

And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Their houses are better for them.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood, al-Salaah, 480. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Sunan Abi Dawood, 530). Undoubtedly, giving women absolute freedom to go out is contrary to the commands of sharee’ah. Guardians have to be guardians in the fullest sense. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Men are the protectors and maintainers of women” [al-Nisa’ 4:34]

Women should not go out unless it is necessary, and when it is necessary for a woman to go out, it should be with her husband’s permission. She should be careful to avoid that which Allaah has forbidden, and she should wear full hijaab, covering her face, etc. If she goes out wearing adornments and makeup or perfume, then this is not permitted. If there is no danger of fitnah and women go out in the manner required by sharee’ah, there is nothing wrong with their going out. Women at the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to go out to the market-places without mahrams.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) permitted women to go out if there is an urgent need. He said, “It is permissible for you (women) to go out for your needs.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, Tafseer al-Qur’aan, 4421).

Ibn Hajar said in Fath al-Baari, Ibn Battaal said: The interpretation of this hadeeth is that it is permissible for women to engage in dealings according to their needs. End of quote, Al-Fataawa al-Jaami’ah li’l-Mar’ah al-Muslimah, 3/1063

Bare in mind that if these places can be avoided by purchasing your needs in another place where there is no evil doing (playing Music) then this is much preferred and you will be rewarded for it insha-Allah, as It was reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that he said: "Anyone leaves something for the sake of Allah, Allah shall compensate him a better one for that." Reported by Ahmad.

And Allah knows best...