My music listening is near zero now, in a short time as well, i thought i'd never give it up. I find it very difficult hearing the sweet song of a bird, or a piece of music that seems to reach within you and touch you and then say to myself this is not what Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) wanted. I'm reading a book right now for the first time, "When the moon split" A book recommended to me by many people, a biography of the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) which says when the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) first came to Medinah women and children sang a welcome song that is now sang by Muslims in memory of that day. Also it says he sang alongside his workers while buidling the Mosque and they sang songs to praise Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) on a regular basis, sometimes before war, sometime just as they felt. The Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) and his followers. But then i read the Prophet said Music is forbidden and one of the signs of the last day (?)
I've read much on this and no one still seems to know, and i have read SO much on it but i've given up family friends and a lot more for Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala), if i can't give up music but i can my family then there's something seriously wrong with me. The only thing is, the Muslims that come at me like Shameem do i have no time for them. Because i quit music for Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala), not intimidating Muslims with nothing to back up their words. Even though Allah (Peace and blessings be upon him) hasn't actually said so i can see how music could easily be Haram. I know how music can pull you away from Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala). And Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) wouldn't want that.
I think it's common sence really. If music was Haram Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala)would say so, and if it was Haram the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) wouldn't have allowed it in his presence, or people around him to sing. When i say common sense i mean listening to music for hours a day that has suggestive undertones and worse will take you further from God, so that i can see some would say is Haram, however music which is positive and for Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) I don't understand how that's Haram.
I'm bit by bit stopping listening to Music which i love and was a central part of my life. But i will still wonder till the day i am gone, why beautful songs, and the art of say a soulful singer or a classical piece would be Haram. Still if there's a slight chance i'm wrong, then it makes obvious sence not to take the risk. Like i said, i've give up many things more hard to resist than music. Not a problem...although it will be missed.