Playing the Duff in praising Allah and his Messenger Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam

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Fatwa ID: 01379

Answered by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Question:

Playing the Duff in praising Allah and his Messenger Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam

Answer:

Bismillah

In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.

Firstly, there are differences of opinions regarding the permissibility of using a duff in Islam.

The great companion Saaiduna Abdullah Bin Abbas raḍyAllāhu 'anhu (may Allāh be pleased with him) said: The duff is haram, stringed instruments are haram, drums are haram and flutes are haram. (Sunan Baihaqi p.222 v.10) 

However during Eid, weddings or at the time of joyous occasions it is permissible to play the duff. For example it is narrated by Saaidah Aaisha raḍyAllāhu 'anhu (may Allāh be pleased with him) that Saaiduna Abu Bakr raḍyAllāhu 'anhu (may Allāh be pleased with him) entered upon her and there were two girls with her during the days of Mina beating the dyff, and the Prophet of Allah ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) was covering himself with his garment. Saaiduna Abu Bakr raḍyAllāhu 'anhu (may Allāh be pleased with him) rebuked them, and the Prophet of Allah ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) uncovered his face and said, “Leave them alone, O Abu Bakr, for these are the days of Eid.” That was during the days of Mina. (Sahih Bukhari p.130 v.1) 

It is reported regarding Saaiduna Umar raḍyAllāhu 'anhu (may Allāh be pleased with him) that if he heard the sound of a duff he would immediately send somebody to investigate it. If it was found to be the occasion of amarriage, he would not do anything. Otherwise he would forcefully stop the playing of the duff. (Fathul Qadeer p.389 v.6)

Regarding the question, whether it is permissible to use the duff when it comes to reciting the Quran or praising the Prophet of Allah ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him), then the answer which can be found in Imam Ghazali raḥimahullāh (may Allāh have mercy upon him) “Ihyaul Uloom” where he states:

"Praising the Prophet of Allah ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) is an ibadat. It is not permissible to do so with the duff which is an instrument of entertainment."

Only Allah Knows Best

Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham

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