Fatwa ID: 03459

Answered by: Maulana Abdul Muktader​

Question

Why is duff halal in Islam and other instruments haram?

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

Several Ahadith clearly prohibit the use of the drum as well as other musical instruments. Consider the following Hadith:

Hadhrat Ibn Mas’ood (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) declared every wine, gambling, the beating of drums and every intoxicant as Haraam. (Abu Dawud)

This Hadith is general and prohibits the beating of the drum. Those who claim that the beating of drums is permissible generally use the Hadith wherein it is reported that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, ‘Announce the Nikah even though it is with the Duff.’ (Mishkat)

The Duff at the Prophet’s time was used on special occasions and weddings, not as a general past time.

قال الحنفية لا بأس أن يكون ليلة العرس دف يضرب بِه ليعلن النكاح وعن السراجية أن هذا إذا لم يكن له جلاجل ولَم يضرب على هيئة التطرب قال ابن عابدين والدف الذي يباح ضربه في العرس … احترازا عن المصنج ففي النهاية عن أبي الليث ينبغي أن يكون مكروها (الموسوعة الفقهية ج. ٣٨)

In conclusion, the usage of the daff is not permitted like other musical instruments, with the exception of using it on special occasions.

The sound of the duff is less stirring and it has less of an effect on the soul than other musical instruments because of its hollow space inside.

Only Allah knows best

Written by Maulana Abdul Muktader

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham