Women listening to Islamic songs sung by men

6-12-2010 | IslamWeb

Question:

Assalaamu alaikum, I undertand that beating the duff is only allowed for women and nor for men. My question is: Is it permissible for women to play Islamic nasheeds sung by men in which there is duff sound in the background at a wedding? Jazak Allah khair

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

According to the most preponderant opinion, the Duff (a tambourine-like instrument without bells) is permissible for both men and women. As regards women listening to the Nasheed (Islamic song) sung by a man, then this is permissible if it fulfills the Islamic pre-conditions. Anas said: “The Prophet had someone who was singing (for his wives' caravan of camels so that they would march fast through the desert) whose name was Anjashah and whose voice was so good (that the camels started to move so fast, and the Prophet felt that the speed might be hard for the women riders), so the Prophet said to him “Be careful, Anjashah, handle the glassware (i.e. women) with care.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

However, it is more appropriate for women to limit themselves to hearing Anaasheed (pl. of Nasheed) sung by women as this is safer for them and it keeps them away from the reasons of temptation. For more benefit, please refer to Fataawa 90840 and 84664.

Allaah Knows best.