1. The Reality of Eid Days and Their Background
Anas (RA) narrated:
When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ came to Madinah, he found the people celebrating two days in which they would engage in play and amusement. He asked: "What are these two days?"
They said: "We used to play on them in the days of ignorance."
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "Allah has given you two better days in their place: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha."
(Abu Dawud 1134)
2. Importance of the Days of Tashreeq
Nubayshah al-Hudhali (RA) narrated:
"The Days of Tashreeq (11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah) are days of eating, drinking, and remembering Allah."
(Muslim 1141)
Note:
Eid al-Adha and the Days of Tashreeq are meant for joy, permissible recreation, and abundance in food and drink — all within Islamic guidelines.
3. Entertainment on Eid
‘Aishah (RA) reported:
On Eid, some young girls were with me, beating the duff and singing about the Battle of Bu‘ath (which took place in the pre-Islamic era). Abu Bakr (RA) told them to stop, but the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"O Abu Bakr! Leave them, for it is Eid. Every nation has its festival, and this is our Eid."
(Bukhari 952; Muslim 892)
4. Shariah Limits on Permissible Entertainment
From this hadith, the following conditions are understood:
- Singers should be young girls (not professional women performers).
- Instrument limited to the duff (or lesser permissible percussion).
- Poetry should not be contrary to Islamic values.
- Occasion should be Eid or similar permissible celebrations.
5. Misuse of This Hadith
Many have misapplied this hadith by:
- Treating it as a justification for professional singers of all ages.
- Extending the duff’s permissibility to all musical instruments.
- Replacing permissible poetry with indecent songs.
- Turning Eid into an excuse for unrestricted entertainment.
Conclusion:
Allah, the Creator and Master, has set the lawful boundaries for His servants. Staying within them is obedience; crossing them is forbidden.
