This article is derived from the book "500 Questions and Answers for Women," based on the fatwas of the scholars of the Haramain, translated by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.
A woman dancing in front of her husband
A woman dancing with other women
Men engaging in dancing, such as Dhamaal or Bhangra
We know that men’s dancing (Dhamaal, Bhangra) is haram, but what is the Islamic evidence for its prohibition?
A woman dancing in front of her husband
A woman dancing with other women
Men engaging in dancing rituals
Permissible with Conditions
If a woman dances naturally in front of her husband without formal training or influence from modern dance styles, then it is not prohibited. This is because there is no clear evidence in Shariah that explicitly forbids a wife from dancing for her husband to please him, as long as it remains between them.
However, if the dance style is inspired by modern professional dances and she has taken formal training in it, then it is not permissible. The reasoning is that if a woman learns and practices such dancing as a habit, there is a risk that she may eventually perform it elsewhere, outside of her marriage.
Not Permissible if it Resembles Modern Dance Styles
If the dance is similar to modern-day performances involving provocative movements, exposing body parts, or creating a sensual atmosphere, then it is undoubtedly forbidden.
Evidence for Prohibition:
Not Permissible
If men’s dancing includes:
Prophetic Evidence:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
كل لهو يلهو به ابن آدم باطل، إلا مداعبته لامرأته، وملاعبته لفرسه، ورميه بقوسه والسباحة
"Every amusement of the son of Adam is false (i.e., not beneficial), except for his playfulness with his wife, training his horse, archery, and swimming."
(Ṣaḥīḥ Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 1637)
Since dancing is not part of these approved activities, it is discouraged and not preferred.
Conclusion:
(Fatwa by Sheikh Muhammad Nasiruddin al-Albani, رحمه الله)
Question:
What is the Islamic ruling on the following: A woman dancing in front of her husband A woman dancing with other women Men engaging in dancing, such as Dhamaal or BhangraWe know that men’s dancing (Dhamaal, Bhangra) is haram, but what is the Islamic evidence for its prohibition?
Answer:
This question covers three different situations: A woman dancing in front of her husband A woman dancing with other women Men engaging in dancing rituals A Woman Dancing in Front of Her Husband
Permissible with ConditionsIf a woman dances naturally in front of her husband without formal training or influence from modern dance styles, then it is not prohibited. This is because there is no clear evidence in Shariah that explicitly forbids a wife from dancing for her husband to please him, as long as it remains between them.
However, if the dance style is inspired by modern professional dances and she has taken formal training in it, then it is not permissible. The reasoning is that if a woman learns and practices such dancing as a habit, there is a risk that she may eventually perform it elsewhere, outside of her marriage.
A Woman Dancing with Other Women
Not Permissible if it Resembles Modern Dance StylesIf the dance is similar to modern-day performances involving provocative movements, exposing body parts, or creating a sensual atmosphere, then it is undoubtedly forbidden.
Evidence for Prohibition:- Islam promotes modesty and chastity, and dancing in such a way can lead to fitnah (temptation).
- Excessive and provocative body movements can lead to immorality and inappropriate desires.
Men’s Dancing (Dhamaal, Bhangra, etc.)
Not PermissibleIf men’s dancing includes:
- Music and instruments
- Excessive movements that resemble non-Islamic traditions
- A form of entertainment that distracts from Islamic values
Prophetic Evidence:The Prophet ﷺ said:
كل لهو يلهو به ابن آدم باطل، إلا مداعبته لامرأته، وملاعبته لفرسه، ورميه بقوسه والسباحة
"Every amusement of the son of Adam is false (i.e., not beneficial), except for his playfulness with his wife, training his horse, archery, and swimming."
(Ṣaḥīḥ Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 1637)
Since dancing is not part of these approved activities, it is discouraged and not preferred.
Conclusion:- A woman dancing for her husband in private is allowed under natural, modest conditions.
- A woman dancing with other women is prohibited if it resembles modern provocative dance styles.
- Men engaging in ritualistic or celebratory dances (Dhamaal, Bhangra) is discouraged and can become haram if mixed with music and inappropriate behavior.
(Fatwa by Sheikh Muhammad Nasiruddin al-Albani, رحمه الله)