Fatwa ID: 05836

Answered by: Alimah Zakiratul Hoque

Question:

I recently read a fatwa that said that some ulema regard appreciating singing and dancing to take one out of the fold of Islam

So many Muslims these days enjoy haram music and dancing. They listen to music, watch dancing videos etc. I thought this was only sinful. Is it true that it can also be kufr? So if I’m a Muslim who enjoys haram music and dancing then I am a kaafir? If I get married will my marriage be valid? What about all the other Muslims who are involved in these sins? This fatwa I read really is scaring me and worrying me. I don’t understand how it can make someone a kaafir if they enjoy these things. I thought it was only sinful

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

Answer:

Imam Tahaawi writes that:

وَلَا يَخْرُجُ الْعَبْدُ مِنَ الْإِيمَانِ إِلَّا بِجُحُودِ مَا أَدْخَلَهُ فِيهِ

“A person does not step out of belief except by rejecting what brought him into it.” (Al Aqida Al Tahawiyyah, Pg 90)

Imaam Tahaawi also writes:

وَلَا نُكَفِّرُ أَحَدًا مِنْ أَهْلِ الْقِبْلَةِ بِذَنْبٍ مَا لَمْ يَسْتَحِلَّهُ وَلَا نَقُولُ لَا يَضُرُّ مَعَ الْإِيمَانِ ذَنْبٌ لِمَنْ عَمِلَهُ

“We do not declare any of the people of the Qibla (i.e., believers) to be disbelievers because of any wrong action (they have done), as long as they do not consider that action to be lawful. Nor do we say that the wrong action of a man who has belief does not have any harmful effect on him.” (Sharhut Tahaawiyyah, Pg 295-297)

To answer your question, no; enjoying music and dancing (itself) does not take you out of the fold of Islam. Nevertheless, you should avoid committing sinful acts as much as possible.

Only Allah knows best

Written by Alimah Zakiratul Hoque

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham