Is It Permissible to Play Musical Instruments?

Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Question

Is it permissible to play musical instruments? As an example, as an accompaniment to nasheeds.

Answer

I pray you are well.

It is permissible to play some instruments. Most scholars agree that the frame drum (daff) is permissible. In the Hanafi school, percussion instruments are generally acceptable. The Shafi’i school allows tambourines and long, double-sided drums which are the same throughout.

This is an issue that scholars have differed on, however. It’s probably safer to stick to a daff, as it is sufficient in enhancing the enjoyment derived through nasheeds.

May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History he moved to Damascus in 2007 where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.