What is the wisdom behind the permissibility of listening to the tambourine (daf) exclusively among musical instruments, given the prohibition of other instruments, and considering that it produces musical sounds like the rest of the prohibited instruments?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
A Muslim must submit to the judgment of Allah, for Allah Almighty possesses ultimate wisdom in His legislations. Among the wisdom of the is the distinction between the daff (tambourine/frame drum) and the tabl (drum). The daff is less enchanting and less impactful on the soul than the tabl, which produces a resonance and enchantment due to its hollow interior. Therefore, the Sharia prohibited the daff if it contained jingle bells. The daff is the least enchanting of musical instruments, hence it is permissible in some circumstances, such as during marriage ceremonies.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/21542
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 21542
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- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Read the full answer on Ftawy