The Islamic Ruling on Dancing
I was quite dismayed to hear that in some areas of this country there are some Muslims who deem that public displays of and participation in dancing are halal (permissable). We live in an age where large numbers of Muslims are ignorant of the beauty of their faith; and many have yet to smell the fragrance of Iman.
Thus, in their zeal, they consider it a virtue to participate in or imitate the basest customs, practices and habits of the non-Muslims in order to find a means of diversion for either themselves or their fellow Muslims, and will even suggest attending, or (may Allah forbid) will organize presentations which include stand-up comedy, rap and dances for the Muslims 'to enjoy, have fun and become better aquainted.'
Sadly, some people take their position on dancing from a number of Islamically invalid sources, most commonly, the Bibical verse, "Let them praise his name in dance: Let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp." Psalms, [149: 3].
The Prophet (May prayers and peace be upon him) said in an authentic narration, "You will surely follow in the ways of those before you, inch by inch and step by step, so much so that if they were to enter a lizard's hole, you would follow after them."
(The Companions) asked, 'O Messenger of Allah, (Do you mean) the Jews and the Christians?'
He replied, "Who else?" And he (May prayers and peace be upon him) also said in another narration, "Whosoever resembles a people is one of them."
Allah Most High describes the characteristics of His worshippers, "And those who do not witness falsehood, and if they pass by some evil play or evil talk, they pass by it with dignity." [Al-Furqan, 25:72]
According to Ibn Katheer, At-Tabari and other reliable commentators of the Qur'an, the word 'zur' '...falsehood...' used in above verse refers to: Shirk, worship of idols, lies, moral depravity, foolish talk, and every type of falsehood. A number of the eminent scholars such as Muhammad ibn Hanifah, state that the verse also includes "listening to or participation in music." Ammar ibn Qais states that it refers to "acting obscenely or using obscene language."
Izzudeen ibn Abdus-Salam (who is nicknamed "Sultanul Ulama", i.e. the Monarch of Scholars) says in reference to men dancing, "As for dancing and handclapping in a light and frivoulous manner resembling the frivolity of females, none would do it except the light-headed or affected ignoramous."
Ibnul Qayyim Al-Jowziyyah refers to the music which accompanies dance as "the Qur'an of Shaytaan." I ask you now to reflect on the nature of dance and music, as there is no doubt that the lyrics and rhythms of such music which is 'danceable' also encourages one to the basest of desires and can neither encourage one to righteousness and piety, nor is it played, sung or composed by the pious. This includes those Muslims who compose so-called "Islamic rap", as there is nothing "Islamic" about rap.
It does not take a stretch of the imagination to see that music, foolish talk, and most of all obscene behaviour, are inextricable elements of Western (and many Eastern) dances. Moreover, it was never from the actions or commands of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa selem) or his companions or any of the pious generations of the Muslims to ever encourage or participate in such action.
Thus if someone should say, "we were only seeking relaxation and entertainment", I would reply, then why not turn your attention to what pleases Allah? Allah says, "So when you have finished (from your occupation), then stand up for Allah's worship." [Ash-Sharh, 96:7] Dancing does not fit in the category of "worship" or pleasing Allah no matter how much someone may attempt to justify it. Therefore as Muslims, before we jump in haste to initiate something for the pleasure of Allah, we should first check to see if it conforms with the Sunnah of His Messenger, (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).
For further reading: "The Islamic Ruling on Music and Singing" by Abu Bilal Mustafa Al-Kanadi, one of the most authoritative texts in any language which includes a section on dancing.
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