In Islam, the permissibility of musical instruments is a topic with varying scholarly opinions. Based on certain interpretations and religious scholars, the daf (a traditional one-sided drum) and the tambourine are generally considered permissible (halal) musical instruments.
While the majority of musical instruments are often viewed as haram (forbidden) by many Islamic scholars, some opinions specifically allow certain percussive instruments.
Permissible Instruments According to Specific Views
The provided reference highlights a particular perspective on this matter:
- Drums (General): Some Muslims believe that drums in general are permissible, distinguishing them from other types of instruments.
- Daf and Tambourine: Dr. Zakir Naik, a prominent Islamic scholar, maintains that all musical instruments are haram except for these two specific instruments:
- The Daf: A traditional one-sided frame drum.
- The Tambourine: A percussive instrument with jingles.
- These instruments are explicitly mentioned in Hadith (sayings and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad), which contributes to their permissible status in certain views.
This specific allowance for the daf and tambourine often stems from their historical use in celebratory occasions during the time of the Prophet Muhammad, such as weddings and Eid festivities, and their distinction from instruments associated with frivolous or unlawful gatherings.
Overview of Instrument Permissibility
To provide clarity, here's a summary based on the provided viewpoint:
| Instrument Type | Permissibility Status (According to some views) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Daf | Halal (Permissible) | Specifically mentioned in Hadith and permitted by scholars like Zakir Naik. |
| Tambourine | Halal (Permissible) | Also mentioned in Hadith and permitted by scholars like Zakir Naik. |
| Other Drums | Varies (Some consider permissible) | Some Muslims believe drums are generally permissible, but this is not universal. |
| Other Musical Instruments | Haram (Forbidden) | Generally considered forbidden by scholars like Zakir Naik and many others. |
It's important to note that discussions around musical instruments in Islam can be nuanced, with various schools of thought offering different interpretations of religious texts. However, the daf and tambourine consistently appear as the most commonly cited exceptions to the general prohibition of musical instruments in specific Islamic views.
