Permissibility of Beating Drums and Singing at Weddings

Hazrat Ata says that once the Prophet ﷺ passed by a wedding, and he said, "If there was some entertainment (such as singing, etc.) here, it would have been good."

Hazrat Ibn Sirin states that we have learned that Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) would consider it objectionable whenever he heard the sound of singing or music and would inquire about it. If he was told that it was a wedding or a child's circumcision ceremony, he would not say anything.

A Sheikh from Banu Salamah narrates that Hazrat Abu Qatadah said to a girl who was playing the duff at a wedding occasion, "Go ahead and play, go ahead and play."

Hazrat Abu Salamah bin Abdur Rahman narrates that on the wedding night, a drum was played and singing was performed in the presence of Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Auf.

Hazrat Amir bin Sa’d narrates that I went to the service of Hazrat Abu Mas’ud and Hazrat Qarzah bin Ka’b, and there were some girls sitting with them singing songs. I said, “You are companions of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), and you do this?” They replied, “Singing and the like have been permitted on the occasion of marriage.”

Hazrat Muhammad bin Hatib says that between halal and haram there is a sound, that is, the difference is the beating of the duff.

Hazrat Amir bin Sa’d says that I was present at a wedding with Hazrat Thabit bin Wadi’ah and Hazrat Qarzah bin Ka’b. I heard the sound of singing, so I said, “Do you both not hear this sound?” They replied, “We have been permitted singing at weddings and silent weeping over the deceased.”

Ibn Aun narrates that there was a wedding in one of Muhammad’s (may Allah have mercy on him) houses. When the people finished with the wedding ceremony and Muhammad (may Allah have mercy on him) returned home, he asked the women, “Where are your duffs?”

17203 - Ibn (Awn) said (1): He means the duff (tambourine).

A person narrates that Hazrat Abdullah bin Masood (may Allah be pleased with him) attended a wedding in which there were flutes and musical instruments; he sat down and did not forbid it.

Hazrat Ikrimah narrates that when Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) circumcised his son, he invited entertainers and gave them three or four dirhams.