Nasai

1598. Commentary: This hadith has already been mentioned previously. For details, see Fawaid wa Masa’il, Hadith number: 1594. It is astonishing that some people have used this as evidence for the permissibility of music and sama‘ (spiritual audition), and then, on this basis, gatherings of sama‘ and ecstasy are organized in which qawwals sing incorrect and nonsensical poetry—poetry that indicates shirk (associating partners with Allah) more than tawhid (monotheism)—accompanied by musical instruments. The listeners not only nod their heads but, in a state of ecstasy, eventually engage in indecent movements. Due to being engrossed in this amusement and play, even prayer and the Qur’an are neglected. Just think! Can this incidental and simple event become the foundation for such a grand edifice of absurdity? A certain elder has aptly said that if you wish to use this incident as evidence, then do so with all its particulars: let underage girls recite only war poetry on the duff (frame drum); the one entering should show no interest but rather turn away and lie down to one side; then someone else should come and scold and rebuke them, but be prevented from hitting them; then those girls, too, should become frightened and fall silent; then, by gesture, they should be sent away. If you can call this a gathering of sama‘ or a musical assembly, then by all means, organize such a gathering with great enthusiasm. Otherwise, do not bring disrepute to the religion by invoking the name of the hadith. Remember death, and fear Allah, the Owner of all power.