Part 19

It must be mentioned that some early fuqahaa were of the opinion that the drum (at-tabi) is also allowable in war. To this, some latter-day scholars added "military music." The eminent authority of hadith literature of our present era, Muhammad Naasiruddeen Al-Albaani, has satisfactorily refuted these last two views in his treatise, Sissilatul Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah, where he states: There is nothing at all to support such viewpoints for the following reasons: Firstly, they constitute specification of and exception to the [general ruling of] traditions which established prohibition, without a valid, pertinent text to justify it. Rather, they are mere opinion and personal approval. Secondly, it is expected of Muslims that during was they should turn to their Lord with their very hearts, seeking from Him victory over the enemy. That is more conducive to achieving calm and tranquility in their souls. As for music, it thwarts such an objective and turns them away from remembrance of and concentration upon their Lord. Allah, the Exalted says {Oh believers, when you meet the enemy forces, think of Allah much [by mentioning His praises], that you may be successful.} (*177) Thirdly, the use of the drum and military music are the practices of the disbelievers {who do not believe in Allah or the Last Day, and who do not prohibit that which has been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor do they follow the Religion of Truth.(*178)} (*179) Hence, it is not permissible for us to resemble them,(*180) especially regarding that which has been generally forbidden for us by Allah, the Blessed and Sublime.(*181) THE CELEBRATION OF THE TWO ' EED FESTIVALS: During the days of festivity which mark the celebration of the great Islamic festivals, innocent singing and beating on the daff as a rhythmical accompaniment is permissible as indicated by a number of texts of the authentic sunnah such as the following from Al-Bukhaari's compilation: Aaishah said, "Allah's Messenger (upon whom be peace and blessings) entered into my presence while two young girls were singing the songs of Bu'aath (*182) whereupon he laid down and turned his face away. Abu Bakr entered and scolded my saying, 'The flute of Satan in front of the Prophet?!' Allah's Messenger (upon whom be peace and blessings) turned to Abu Bakr saying, 'Leave them be.'" Aaishah continued, "When the Prophet dozed off, I signaled to them and they left." In another narration of Al-Buhkaari, Aaishah mentioned that [her father] Abu Bakr came to her during the days of Mina (*183) There were two young girls with her, beating upon the daff, while the Prophet was covered with his cloth. Then Abu Bakr began scolding the girls, whereupon the Prophet disclosed his face [from under the covering] and said, "Leave them, Oh Abu Bakr, for these are the days of the 'Eed festival." THE WEDDING FEAST: Likewise, it is permissible to let the women and young girls sing (*184) and beat upon the daff during the wedding feast. The singing must be innocent and not describe love or acts of immorality. Singing and beating upon the daff serves to proclaim the occasion of the wedding and brings joy to the wedding guests. The following tradition points to this fact: Muhammad bin Haatib Al-Jumahi relates that the Messenger of Allah said, "The demarcation between the unlawful and the lawful [in marriage] is the daff and the voice." (*185) There are numerous other traditions which indicate the Prophet (upon whom be peace and blessings) encouraging women to sing and beat the daff. The following hadith is an appropriate example: Aaishah (may Allah be pleased with her) related that the Messenger of Allah said, "Proclaim this marriage, solemnize it in the mosque and beat the daff upon its occasion." (*186) In the following traditions we see the Prophet's encouragement of singing to the accompaniment of the daff: Aaishah reported that a woman was given in marriage to a man of the Ansaar. The Prophet of Allah said, "Oh Aaishah, was there no entertainment, for the Ansaar are pleased with entertainment." [Related by Al-Bukhaari.] In another narration, the text indicates that the Prophet said to Aaishah, "did you send a young girl wit?