Is Music Haram in Islam? Duff, Naats & Qawwalis Ruling New

Music in Islam: Is Singing Naats, Qawwalis, Duff, or Drums Permissible?

Question: Which form of music is permissible? Is it permissible in Islam to sing Naats, Qawwalis, or songs with the Duff, Tabla, or Drum etc.? Explain with Quran and Hadith!

Answer:

Alhamdulillah:

People who deny Hadith, like Ghamidi, have twisted the Ahadith and spread a wrong understanding of many Sharia rulings among Muslims. Among these is the music with the Duff. Many Muslims not only call this Duff permissible but some even consider it Sunnah, whereas in Islam, every type of music is Haram, whether it is Duff or flute, whether it is Tabla or drum etc.

As Imam Bukhari (RA) has recorded the saying of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in Sahih Bukhari:

” لَيَكُونَنَّ مِنْ أُمَّتِي أَقْوَامٌ يَسْتَحِلُّونَ الْحِرَ،وَالْحَرِيرَ، وَالْخَمْرَ، وَالْمَعَازِفَ،

“There will certainly be people among my Ummah who will regard adultery, silk, alcohol, and musical instruments (Ma’azif) as lawful.”

(Sahih Bukhari Hadith No. 5590)

So this Hadith indicates the prohibition of every type of musical instrument, and the Duff is also included in these instruments.

Abdullah bin Abbas (RA) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) that the Prophet (PBUH) said:

“إِنَّ اللَّهَ حَرَّمَ عَلَيْكُمُ الْخَمْرَ وَالْمَيْسِرَ وَالْكُوبَةَ ” وَهُوَ الطَّبْلُ وَقَالَ : ” كُلُّ مُسْكِرٍ حَرَامٌ ”

“Indeed, Allah Almighty has forbidden alcohol, gambling, and the Kubah (drum) for you,” and He said: “Every intoxicant is Haram.”

(Al-Albani Al-Silsilah Al-Sahihah, 2425 • Its chain is Sahih, its narrators are trustworthy)

(Al-Albani Sahih Al-Jami’ 1748 • Sahih)

(Musnad Ahmad Hadith No. 2476)

(Sunan Abu Dawood Hadith No. 3696)

(Sunan Bayhaqi Vol 10/Page 221)

(Tuhfat al-Ashraf Vol 5/Page 197)

(Tabarani Kabir Vol 12/Page 101, 102)

(Daraqutni Vol 3/Page 7)

And Abdullah bin Abbas (RA) states that:

الدُّفُّ حرامٌ، والمعازفُ حرامٌ، والكُوبةُ حرامٌ، والمزمارُ حرامٌ

“The Duff is Haram, and musical instruments are Haram, and the Kubah (meaning the drum) is Haram, and the flute is Haram.”

(Sunan Al-Kubra by Al-Bayhaqi _ Vol 10/Page 376/Hadith No. 21000)

(Al-Albani (1420 AH), Tahrim Alat al-Tarb 92 • Its chain is Sahih if Abu Hashim is Al-Sinjari)

(Al-Tabarani “Al-Mu’jam Al-Awsat” 7388)

However, some specific situations are exempted from this general prohibition of music. Just as silk is completely forbidden for men, but using a piece of silk equal to two or four fingers is permissible; just as wearing any kind of gold is forbidden for men, but from a medical perspective, if a body part is cut off, they can have a golden one attached, like a tooth, ear, or nose etc. Exactly in the same way, every type of music is Haram, but in a few situations, there is justification found in Sharia for some light music in which there is no evil.

Such as:

• 1_ On the occasion of Eid.
• 2_ On the occasion of a wedding.
• 3_ On the arrival of a person returning from a long journey.

The arguments for this are:

Aisha (RA) narrates that Abu Bakr (RA) came to her while two girls were beating the Duff during the days of Mina, and the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was lying down covered with a cloth. So Abu Bakr (RA) scolded and stopped both girls. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) uncovered his face and said:

“O Abu Bakr, do not say anything to them; these are the days of Eid, and these are the days of Mina.”

(Sahih Bukhari Hadith No. 944)

(Sahih Muslim Hadith No. 892)

Rubai bint Muawwidh bin Afra (RA) narrates that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) came on the occasion of my wedding and sat on my bed just as you are sitting. Our little girls started beating the Duff and while reciting elegies for my elders killed at Badr, one girl said:

“And among us is that Prophet who knows what will happen tomorrow.”

So the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:

“Do not say this, but continue saying what you were saying before.”

(Sahih Bukhari Hadith No. 4852)

Buraydah (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) went to a battle, and when he returned, a black girl came and said:

“O Messenger of Allah (PBUH), I made a vow that if Allah keeps you safe, I will beat the Duff before you and sing verses.”

So the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said to her:

“If you made a vow, then beat the Duff, otherwise do not.”

So she started beating the Duff. In the meantime, Abu Bakr (RA) came there and she kept beating the Duff. Then Ali (RA) came and she was still beating the Duff. Then Uthman (RA) also came and she kept beating the Duff. Then when Umar (RA) entered, she hid the Duff under her buttocks and sat on it.

So the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:

“O Umar, indeed Satan is afraid of you and fears you. I was sitting and this girl was beating the Duff, and Abu Bakr (RA) came and she kept beating the Duff, and then Ali came and she kept beating, and then Uthman came and she kept beating. O Umar, when you came, she put the Duff away.”

(Sunan Tirmidhi Hadith No. 3690)

Allama Al-Albani (RA) has declared it Sahih in Sahih Tirmidhi Hadith No. (2913).

The scholars of the Saudi Fatwa Committee state that these Ahadith indicate the permissibility of beating the Duff on these three occasions, and apart from these, the ruling for beating the Duff on any other occasion remains on its original principle, i.e., prohibition. Some scholars have expanded this to allow beating the Duff on the occasion of a child’s birth and circumcision, and some other scholars have further expanded this, saying that it is permissible to beat the Duff on any occasion of joy, for example, on the recovery of a patient etc….!

(See: Al-Mawsu’ah Al-Fiqhiyyah 38 / 169)

However, it is better to limit it to what has been mentioned in the text, i.e., the Ahadith, and the Duff should not be beaten on any other occasion.

And the correct view is that only women can beat the Duff. If any man beats the Duff, he has imitated women, and this is included in major sins.

Sheikh-ul-Islam (RA) says:

It is known as necessary and obligatory in the religion of Islam that the Prophet (PBUH) did not permit any righteous person of his Ummah, nor the devout and ascetic individuals of the Ummah, to gather and listen to or recite poetry with the echo of clapping or by playing flutes etc. or the Duff.

Similarly, the Prophet (PBUH) did not permit them to leave his (PBUH) way and the Book of Allah, the Wise, and follow another way, neither inwardly nor outwardly. Permission for this is not granted to any specific person nor to any common person.

However, on the occasion of marriage, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) permitted some amusement and singing, just as he (PBUH) permitted women to beat the Duff on the occasion of marriage. But men can neither beat the Duff nor clap hands; rather, in a Sahih Hadith, the Prophet (PBUH) said:

“Clapping is for women, and saying SubhanAllah is for men.”

And in another Hadith, the Prophet (PBUH) said:

“Cursed are the women who imitate men, and cursed are the men who imitate women.”

And since singing, beating the Duff, and clapping are included in the actions of women, the scholars used to name the man who did such things as Mukhannath (effeminate) and eunuchs and singers (Bhand), and this is well-known in the speech of the scholars.

(See: Majmoo’ al-Fatawa 11 / 565 – 566)

And Ibn Hajar (RA) says:

“In strong Ahadith, permission for this is for women; therefore, men cannot be joined with them due to the general prohibition of imitating women.”

See: Fath al-Bari (9 / 226)

And Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Baz (RA) says:

“Permission to beat the Duff is specific only to women, but it is not permissible for men to use the Duff. Men cannot use it on the occasion of marriage, nor on any other occasion. Rather, for men, Allah Almighty has prescribed learning instruments of war, such as archery, horse riding, and racing etc.”

(Taken from: Majallat al-Jami’ah al-Islamiyyah al-Madinah al-Nabawiyyah Issue No. (3) Year 2 Muharram (1390 AH) Page No. (185 – 186))

And the Sheikh (RA) also says:

“As for the issue of marriage, singing common poetry with the Duff is prescribed in it, which does not contain a call to Haram, nor is any Haram act praised in it. And this should be in the night specifically for women, where only women recite these verses, to announce the Nikah (marriage) and to distinguish between Nikah and Saffah (fornication/adultery), as is proven from the Prophet (PBUH) in Sahih Ahadith.”

(Taken from: Al-Tabarruj wa Khataruhu – Book: Immodesty and its Dangers)

Sheikh Ibn Baz (RA) says:

“Ma’azif are the songs about which the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) informed that in the last times, some people will come who will make it Halal like alcohol, adultery, and silk. This Hadith is included in the signs of Prophethood because all of this has occurred. Just as this Hadith indicates the condemnation of the one who makes alcohol, adultery, and silk Halal, it similarly indicates the prohibition of this (music) and the condemnation of the one who makes it Halal.

The verses and Ahadith regarding avoiding singing, music, and instruments of amusement are very numerous. And whoever assumes that Allah Almighty has made singing, music, and musical instruments permissible has lied and has committed a great evil. May Allah Almighty keep us safe from the obedience of Satan and desires.

And a greater and more hideous crime than this is to call it permissible (Mubah). There is no doubt that this is ignorance of Allah Almighty and one’s religion; rather, this is the audacity and boldness to lie against Allah Almighty and His Sharia.

Beating the Duff is permissible only on the occasion of marriage, and this is also specific only to women, that they can beat the Duff among themselves so that the Nikah is announced and a distinction is made between Saffah and Nikah.

There is no harm in women singing while beating the Duff among themselves on the occasion of marriage, but the condition is that it should not incite towards evil and the forbidden, nor should there be words of love and romance, nor should it be a cause for stopping from any obligatory and necessary duty. And men should not be included in it; rather, only women should listen. Nor should it be done openly and in a loud voice such that neighbors are troubled and harmed by it. And those who do this on loudspeakers are doing a very bad deed, because doing so causes harm to Muslim neighbors etc. Apart from the Duff, using any other musical instruments for women on occasions like marriage etc. is not permissible, such as the flute, guitar, violin etc.; rather, this is evil. They are only permitted to beat the Duff.

However, it is not permissible for men to use anything from the Duff etc., neither on the occasion of marriage nor on any other occasion. Rather, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala has prescribed for men to learn instruments of war and skills, that they should practice archery, horse riding, and competition, and other instruments used in war besides this, such as tanks, airplanes, cannons, machine guns, and bombs etc. that prove helpful in Jihad in the way of Allah.”

(See: Majmoo’ al-Fatawa Ibn Baz (3 / 423 – 424))

And Sheikh-ul-Islam (RA) says:

“Keep in mind that in the first three best generations, neither in the land of Hejaz, nor Syria and Yemen, nor Egypt and the Maghreb, nor in the regions of Iraq and Khorasan, did the people of religion, piety, asceticism, and the chaste and devout people gather and participate in such listening sessions (Mahfil-e-Sama) where there was clapping and noise. Neither was the Duff beaten there, nor clapping, nor violin, nor flute. Rather, all of this was an innovation invented at the end of the second century. And when the four Imams saw it, they denied it and forbade it.” End quote.

(See: Majmoo’ al-Fatawa 11 / 569)

The scholars of the Saudi Fatwa Committee, mentioning the exception from prohibited music, write that:

The thing whose exception is the truth is only the Duff. And that Duff too which does not have any ring or cymbal attached. And then this Duff should be beaten on the occasion of marriage and Eid, and only women should use it; authentic evidences are found for this.

Sheikh-ul-Islam (RA) says:

“However, the Prophet (PBUH) has given a concession for a type of amusement on the occasion of marriage etc., that only women can beat the Duff on the occasion of marriage. But men did not beat the Duff in the era of the Prophet (PBUH), nor did they clap with their hands. Rather, it is proven in Sahih Bukhari that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:

‘Clapping is for women, and saying SubhanAllah is for men.’

And the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) has cursed women who imitate men and men who imitate women.”

And when singing and beating the Duff was the action of women, the Salaf (RA) used to label men who did such acts as Mukhannath (effeminate) and eunuchs, and they called singing men eunuchs. — In this era of ours, these have become very numerous — And this is well-known in the speech of the Salaf (RA). The most famous Hadith in this chapter is that of Aisha (RA), in which she narrates:

During the days of Eid, her father Abu Bakr (RA) came to her house while two small Ansari girls were with her singing the verses that the Ansar had recited on the day of Bu’ath. — And perhaps some wise person realizes what people used to say in war. — So Abu Bakr (RA) said:

“Is there the instrument of Satan and a sound from the flutes of Satan in the house of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH)?”

And the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) had turned his face away from those two girls towards the wall on the other side. — Therefore, some scholars say that Abu Bakr (RA) was not one to scold anyone or object to them in front of the Prophet (PBUH), but he thought and assumed that the Prophet (PBUH) was unaware of what was happening; if he knew, this would not happen.

Wallahu A’lam — So the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:

“O Abu Bakr, do not say anything to them, because every nation has an Eid, and this is our Eid, the people of Islam.”

So it is stated in this Hadith that this thing was not included in the habit of the Prophet (PBUH) and his noble Companions. That is why Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) declared it the voice of Satan and a flute (Mizmar). — And the Prophet (PBUH) maintained this name and did not deny or forbid it (calling it Satan’s voice), because the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) had said to Abu Bakr (RA):

“Let them be and say nothing, because every nation has an Eid, and this is our Eid.”

So he pointed out that the reason for its permissibility is the time being Eid. So from this, it is understood that it is Haram in days other than Eid. But in other Ahadith, the occasion of marriage has been exempted from this. Allama Al-Albani (RA), while explaining this in his book “Tahrim Alat al-Tarb”, has said:

“And the Prophet (PBUH) gave permission to girls for this on the occasion of Eid, as is in the Hadith.”

“So that the polytheists may know that there is flexibility in our religion.”

And in the Hadith of the story of these girls, it is not mentioned that the Prophet (PBUH) listened to it attentively (Istima’), because the rewarding of good and forbidding of evil relates to Istima’, meaning listening attentively, not just Sama’ (hearing) or falling into the ear, as is seen, because this also relates to looking intentionally, not that which happens without any intention or will.”

So it became apparent from this that this is only for women, to the extent that Imam Abu Ubaid (RA), while defining the Duff, has said:

“The Duff is that which women beat.”

(See: Gharib al-Hadith Vol 3 / Page 64)

And Ibn al-Qayyim (RA) says:

“Every speech that is without the obedience of Allah Almighty, and every sound that is of the flute or Duff or drum etc., is the voice of Satan.” End quote.

(See: Ighathat al-Lahfan 1 / 252)

And Ibn al-Jawzi (RA) says:

“Aisha (RA) was also of young age at that time, and after reaching puberty, condemnation of singing and music is proven from her as well. Her nephew Qasim bin Muhammad used to condemn singing and music and used to forbid listening to it, and he had acquired knowledge from Aisha (RA).”

(See: Talbis Iblis _ 229)

And Hafiz Ibn Hajar (RA) says:

“The Sufis have used the Hadith of this chapter to argue for listening to and holding gatherings of Sama’ (listening) with musical instruments and without instruments. To refute this, the Hadith of Aisha (RA) in this same chapter is sufficient, in which there is an explicit statement by Aisha (RA) that ‘Those two girls were not singers.’

So strictly speaking, regarding the meaning, that has been negated which is being proven from the words… So due to being contrary to the principle (meaning the Hadith), it will be limited only to the time, manner, and scarcity mentioned in the text. Wallahu A’lam.”

(See: Fath al-Bari 2 / 442 – 443)

A Few False Deductions

Some people have made invalid deductions from the aforementioned narrations of the girls’ Duff and verses.

Just as some individuals have exempted the drum in war, and some contemporaries have even derived the justification for military bands and music from it.

Whereas this is absolutely not permissible.

First reason:

This is specifying the Ahadith of prohibition without any specific evidence (Mukhassis); it is merely an opinion and preference (Istihsan), and this is false.

Second:

In the state of war, the obligation upon Muslims is to turn towards their Lord with their hearts and souls.

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala says:

"They ask you about the spoils of war. Say, 'The spoils are for Allah and the Messenger.' So fear Allah and amend that which is between you."

And the use of music will spoil them and distance them from the remembrance (Dhikr) and memory of Allah Almighty.

Third:

The use of music is included in the habits of the disbelievers, so imitating them is not permissible, especially in that which Allah Almighty has forbidden, and this prohibition is general, for example, music etc.”

(See: Al-Silsilah Al-Ahadith Al-Sahihah (1 / 145))

And some individuals have argued for the permissibility of singing and music from the Hadith of the Abyssinians playing in the Prophet’s Mosque.

Imam Bukhari (RA) has established this chapter on this Hadith in Sahih Bukhari: “Chapter on Spear Play and Using Shields on the Day of Eid.”

Imam Nawawi (RA) says:

“In this, there is justification for playing with instruments of war in the mosque, and those causes will also be attached to this which prove helpful and supportive in Jihad.”

(Taken from: Sharh Muslim by Al-Nawawi)

And some people have declared music permissible with Naats and Qawwalis.

Although this is also Haram. Whether music is with recitation (of Quran) or Naat or Qawwali, it will remain impermissible in every case.

Perhaps it was for our nation today that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said this:

“There will be some people who, engrossed in euphoria and pleasure, will make the Quran into a song. People will put forward a person who will be neither a Faqih (jurist) nor a scholar; they will put him forward only so that he sings (the Quran) to them.”

(Al-Albani Al-Silsilah Al-Sahihah-979 Sahih)

Today, this is certainly the situation, that whoever sings the Quran more is liked more. Tunes are applied in Naats and Qawwalis, money is made; whether religion is spoiled or faith is lost, it makes no difference to anyone.

The Saudi Fatwa Committee was asked:

Question:

Is it permissible to listen to Islamic poems with musical instruments? You are requested to favor us with an answer based on the Quran and Sunnah.

Answer from the Fatwa Committee:

Alhamdulillah:

Those poems and anthems which are named Islamic poems and anthems, and contain music, applying this name to them does not make them legitimate. Rather, in reality, this is music and singing, and calling them Islamic poems and anthems is a lie and slander. And these cannot be a substitute for singing. So it is not permissible for us to replace an evil thing with an evil thing; rather, we will bring a good and pure thing in place of the evil and dirty one. And listening to them considering them Islamic and intending worship through it will be considered an innovation (Bid’ah) which Allah has not permitted!

We pray to Allah Almighty for safety and well-being.

For further details, study the following books:

(Talbis Iblis – 237)

(Al-Madkhal Ibn al-Hajj 3 / 109)

(Al-Amr bil-Ittiba’ wa al-Nahy ‘an al-Ibtida’ by Al-Suyuti (99)) Dhamm al-Malahi by Ibn Abi al-Dunya.

Al-I’lam bi anna al-‘Azf Haram by Abu Bakr Jazairi.

Tanzih al-Shari’ah ‘an al-Aghani al-Khali’ah.

Tahrim Alat al-Tarb by Al-Albani.

Wallahu A’lam.

(Source: Sheikh Muhammad Salih Al-Munajjid)

Observe another Fatwa from the Saudi Fatwa Committee:

Question:

When Christians are gathered for the religion of Islam, can they be invited with religious poems filled with music? And can such a religious group be formed that prepares and adopts religious poetry and poems with music?

Answer from the Fatwa Committee:

Alhamdulillah:

In my opinion, there is no need to do such work. Rather, it is their responsibility to invite Christians with permissible and lawful works and means, for example, by reciting the Quran Majeed with Tajweed and Tarteel, or by pouring eloquent and effective Ahadith of the Prophet (PBUH) into their ears.

And similarly, useful and effective anthems and poems should be recited without any music. And similarly, clear arguments that indicate the beauties of Islam and highlight Islamic teachings and goals, from which it is known that the reform of the religion of nature and humanity lies only and only in accepting Islam.

So the person who does not gather except with singing and music and does not accept, there is no good or welfare in him. And it should not be thought about him that he will come towards accepting Islam while admitting the truth.

Wallahu Ta’ala A’lam.

(Source: Taken from the book containing Fatwas of Sheikh Ibn Jibreen: Al-Lu’lu’ Al-Makin p. (28))

Therefore, the summary of all this is that every type of music is Haram, whether it is Duff or piano, or guitar or Tabla or violin or drum; every type of music is Haram. But in this general prohibition, for girls and women etc., on a few occasions like weddings, Eid, or return from the journey of Jihad etc., beating the Duff lightly with good verses and anthems is permissible. But along with this permission, this point should also be clear that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) did not like even this light music with the Duff. As is clearly seen in the Ahadith above that the Prophet (PBUH) gave permission for the happiness of the girls etc., but did not like it himself.

But apart from these specific situations, organizing gatherings of music by men and women in common days, and singing songs or playing and listening to instruments and Duff etc. with Naats and Qawwalis is absolutely not permissible.

May Allah the Pure grant us the ability to act upon the religion of Islam in the true sense, Ameen..!!

( Wallahu Ta’ala A’lam bis-Sawab )

Reference: https://alfurqan.info/problems/1212