[Q 311] Drums & Daff at Weddings: Islamic Perspective

Question

What’s the ruling on drums at weddings?

 بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

الجواب بعون الملك الوهاب اللهم هداية الحق والصواب

Answer

Playing drums at weddings or any other occasion as a form of entertainment or amusement is impermissible, sinful, and a form of severe disobedience of Allah.

Regarding the prohibition of drums, the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) has said:

“ان اللہ حرم علیکم الخمر والمیسر والکوبة وقال کل مسکر حرام”

“Verily, Allah has prohibited alcohol, gambling, and the drum (Kubah) upon you, and has said: Every intoxicant is prohibited.”

(Sunan al-Kubra al-Bayhaqi, Kitab al-Shahadat, Vol. 10, p. 360)

Imam Ahmad Rida Khan (رحمۃ اللہ علیہ) states: “Having drums played in gatherings, as is common among public sinners (فساق), and organizing dancing is haram.”

(Fatawa Radawiyyah, Vol. 23, p. 98)

In another passage, he says: “Playing the drum is haram.”

(Fatawa Radawiyyah, Vol. 24, p. 491)

Similarly, playing and listening to the commonly used daff (tambourine) that is played musically, is also prohibited.

It is only permissible to play the daff when the following three conditions are met. If even one of these conditions is not met, it will not be permissible:

1. It is not to be played in a musical manner, i.e. it must not adhere to musical convention.
2. It is not to be played by men, as it is generally disliked (Makruh) for men to play the daff.
3. It is not to be played by respectable women in society. And, for young girls, it is only permissible to play it in a context that does not lead to fitnah.

(Summarised from Fatawa Radawiyyah, Vol. 24)

The Hadith mentioning the playing of the daff refers to the daff being played in this specific manner. The contemporary manner of playing daff does not meet these conditions, so playing and listening to such a daff is prohibited.

Answered by: Tabaruk Madani (Askmufti Scholar)

Verified by: Mufti Sajid Attari 

Translated answer

Date: 28th May 2024