Is It Permissible To Go to Prom?

Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad

Question

I have a prom coming up and I’m planning on going but I just wanted to make sure that proms aren’t haram.

Is going to Prom Haram?

Answer

Thank you for your question. It is not permissible to attend prom because of the impermissible elements that are there.

Prom

A promenade dance, commonly called a prom, is a dance party for high school students. It may be offered in semi-formal black-tie or informal suits for boys, and evening gowns for girls. This event is typically held near the end of the school year. The free-mixing, the music, and dancing are reasons enough that make it impermissible for Muslims to attend.

Typically, Muslims who go to public high schools, get together for their own private event at one of their homes, instead of going to prom. Girls can be free to dress up in evening gowns, in the presence of women only, enjoy good food, and plan something fun indoors for themselves. Whenever there is a no, there is always a yes. Be creative!

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani 

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria for two years where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Masters in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.