North Korea. Music of North Korea is typically limited to state-sanctioned performers and ensembles, whose propaganda music glorifies the Kim dynasty and Juche ideology. Foreign music, and older North Korean music that do not meet the government's standards, is generally banned.
Afghanistan. Afghanistan always had restrictions on who was permitted to play music in the country, where music could be played, and musical content. But music was banned completely during the reign of the Taliban from 1996 to 2001. During that time, Western technology and art were prohibited.
In 2011, BBC reported that China had outlawed six tracks by Lady Gaga — 'The Edge of Glory', 'Hair', 'Marry the Night', 'Americano', 'Judas' and 'Bloody Mary'. Beyonce's 'Run the World (Girls)', Katy Perry's 'Last Friday Night' and Backstreet Boys' hit 'I Want It That Way' were banned as well.
Music has been heavily restricted in Afghanistan since the Taliban's return to power in 2021, causing many musicians and artists to flee and seek asylum in Western countries. Last year, business owners were advised to avoid playing music, however, the ruling was not strictly enforced everywhere.
Most of the Mughal emperors were also very fond of music. But there was one notable exception- Emperor Aurangzeb, who banned music because he thought that it was illegal and against the spirit of Islam.
Banned Music
The performance of specific artists' or composers' works or recordings has been banned or censored by a variety of reasons, including provocative or sexually suggestive lyrics, political beliefs and/or associations, and violence. There are numerous examples of banned or censored music.
This is based in part on certain Ahadith which speak negatively of non-percussion musical instruments and the idea that music and art are distractions from God. Some Muslims also believe it is sinful for songs to make any mention of women and for women to be involved in the composition of music.
Believe it or not, dancing in public is considered to be provocative and if you wish to avoid some serious fines, make sure you dance at licensed clubs or within the four walls of your room. Even listening to some loud music in Dubai is banned in public and can lead to a heavy penalty if found guilty.
At least a few sources blame prohibition of music not on rigorous interpretation of scripture but the association of "fashionable" secular music "with erotic dance and drinking" (Jacob M. Landau), or "illicit behavior tied to music, rather than to the music itself" (Hussein Rashid).
The Muslim scholar al-Qaradawi states that singing and music in itself is permissible and pleasurable. He places several restrictions on them though. The content of the song should not be against the morals and teachings of Islam or be accompanied by other forbidden things in Islam like alcohol.
In 2015, China's culture ministry banned 120 songs - mostly rap - for “promoting obscenity, violence, crime or threatening public morality.”
Google's Internet mail service, Gmail, and Chrome and Google-based search inquiries have not been available to mainland China users since 2014.
After two years of lockdowns, Australia's music scene is re-emerging bigger and better than ever. From local gigs to large-scale festivals, there is no shortage of incredible music or talented musicians in Australia.
Australia has a long tradition of country music, which has developed a style quite distinct from its US counterpart, influenced by English, Irish and Scottish folk ballads and by the traditions of Australian bush balladeers like Henry Lawson and Banjo Paterson.
After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, music was criminalised in Iran. Western songs were forbidden, record shops vanished and concert halls fell silent. Anyone caught with music deemed 'un-Islamic' could be fined, lashed or imprisoned for 'causing corruption on earth' under Iranian law.
Nevertheless, Islamic scholars have tended to regard dogs' saliva as impure; practically, this means anything licked by a dog necessitates washing. Many Islamic jurists allowed owning dogs for herding, farming, hunting, or protection, but prohibited ownership for reasons they regarded as "frivolous".
There are certain guidelines in regards to what is considered al- halal and al-haram within the Muslim religion. Muslim women are not allowed to dance with men and are not allowed to dance in front of them. However, some Muslims dance in their homes with their brother(s), husbands, or even their fathers (Banes 247).
“Even though there are scholars who forbid dancing, there is a long tradition of dancing in Muslim cultures,” said Vernon Schubel, a Muslim and professor of religious studies at Kenyon College in Ohio. There is no mention of dancing in the Quran, which serves as Muslims' primary source of guidance.
The code says displays of affection between couples – whether married or not – in public places does not fit local customs and culture. “Holding hands for a married couple is tolerated but kissing and petting are considered an offence to public decency,” it adds.
Swearing in public is completely prohibited in the UAE, with the use of the F-word being a crime, as it “disgraces the honour or the modesty” of a person, according to Article 373 of the UAE Penal Code. Swearing is punishable by up to a year in prison and a fine as high as 10,000 dirhams (£2,157).
Sexting in the UAE is against the law. That also includes nude selfies, as this young couple found out.
For example, condoms are legal, but until recently, they were rarely available anywhere other than certain hospitals or medical supply stores.
The public practice of any form of religion other than Islam is illegal; as is an intention to convert others. However, the Saudi authorities accept the private practice of religions other than Islam, and you can bring a religious text into the country as long as it is for your personal use .
Can I buy tampons? Yes, they can be found in some pharmacies or grocery store personal care product aisles.