A now-viral hashtag calling on Saudi schools to introduce music lessons as part of their curriculums sparked a heated online debate late on Wednesday.
While music is allowed on national occasions and at other select school events, public education institutions across the ultra-conservative kingdom do not offer music classes to students.
There is also no musical academy or national conservatory in the country.
The subject has long sparked controversy in Saudi Arabia, with many claiming the ban on these classes stems from religious edicts stating that music is 'haram' (unacceptable) in Islam.
This week, the issue was highlighted yet again via the 'we want music lessons in schools' hashtag.
Some reacted to the hashtag with sarcasm
"This a bit too much."
Others hit back at it using points like this...
Many were having none of that and debated the matter
"If God wanted to prohibit music, there would've been a clear scripture on it."
For years music has been deemed unacceptable in Saudi Arabia, for both social and religious reasons. The issue often sparks debate among the country's Islamic scholars.
Some deem both music and singing unacceptable as part of the religion, while others think only singing is not allowed.
There are also a few scholars who believe that because there is no direct Quranic verse clearly prohibiting music in Islam, it cannot be labeled unacceptable.
However, the issue continues to be a matter of debate.
Others called on music to be included in educational curriculums
"Music must be part of the main public school curriculum as it helps develop a student's listening skills. It's not necessary that every pupil becomes an artist or musician in the future except if that's what they choose to be. I also think a music conservatory must be established in order to educate and train young talents."