If you're organizing a Muslim wedding or attending one, you might be uncertain if women are allowed to perform Muslim music at the ceremony. However, it's important to be aware of a few guidelines and recognize that there might be some allowances under specific circumstances.
Shaadi vs Rukhsati wedding reception
Whether you have chosen to have a Shaadi or Rukhsati, you will need to choose the right wedding reception music to set the mood. While Shaadi is a celebration of the bride's entry into the new family, Rukhsati is a send off for the bride and her family.
Typically, the bride wears a red or pink/purple sharara with heavy gold jewelery. She will be accompanied by family members and friends. The bride will also receive gold jewelry from her mother. The groom may also wear a western inspired suit or a traditional dress. He will usually wear a turban.
The bride's family will welcome the groom with flowers and rose petals. They will give the groom a glass of milk. They will also give the groom a turban. In some regions, the groom may be given a gold bracelet as a token of love.
The groom will usually arrive at the bride's house on a richly decked horse. He will then join the bride and her family. This is one of the defining moments in a bride's life. The eldest man on the groom's side will offer congratulations to male relatives on both sides.
The bride will leave the house with the groom and his family. Before leaving, the bride will throw rice over her head. This symbolises her exit from her mother's home and her entrance into the new family. It also signifies the richness and purity of the bride's new life with the groom.
Traditionally, the bride wears a red or purple shalwar kameez. She may also wear a red or pink ghagra. She will be accompanied by her mother and family. The groom will usually wear a western inspired suit or a sherwani with a turban. His entrance into the Shaadi will be surrounded by drummers and other people, such as a horse.
Dholki is a Hindu wedding celebration. It is usually held months before the wedding day. It is a celebration of happiness. The women of the family will sing and dance to Dholak, a percussion instrument. Traditionally, this function has been hosted by different households, but it has become the main wedding reception in some areas.
Restricting women from performing muslim music in wedding ceremonies
Performing a muslim music in a wedding ceremony is not a new concept. The practice is as old as Islam itself and is not confined to any single region. However, in the modern era, it has been a topic of debate. Various religious opinion leaders have produced their own spin on this topic.
An eleventh century Muslim scholar, al-Ghazali, made the case for three elements of permissibility in a performance: the time, the place, and the people. He also deemed the most obnoxious item on this list to be the shortest of all. A modern day religious opinion leader traces the origins of the aforementioned list to a few hadiths.
One of the most important aspects of this list is that a song or performance is not performed in an immoral manner. Music performed in a context that would make a sex offender blush is not only unwise, it is also against God's word. Similarly, music in a context that would make a gay man swoon is unwise, as well. A woman playing a tambourine is also unwise in a context of prostitution.
A related rule of thumb is that music and performance is only appropriate when performed with the appropriate entourage. For example, a wedding ceremony is not the time or place to perform a karaoke session. Likewise, a performance by a gang of dissolute bachelors is not appropriate. Finally, a performance by a group of drunken revelers is not appropriate, even when the event is in a private venue. Thus, if you're planning a muslim wedding, you better keep it classy. With luck, it'll be an occasion to remember. If you're not in the mood for the aforementioned red wine, there are plenty of other options.
Permissible words in songs
Generally speaking, Islamic jurisprudence prohibits listening to musical instruments and singing. However, some scholars argue that music is permissible as long as it does not contain immoral themes. In addition, some scholars say that it is permissible to listen to songs a cappella. In these cases, the music will not have any degrading content, and will not be accompanied by suggestive movements.
Music is defined as a statement expressed in tunes that are suitable for amusement and entertainment. Music should not take place in immoral situations, and should not be performed with dissolute companions.
A song that is permissible in Islam is a song that encourages good morals, and does not contain forbidden words in sharee'ah or haraam descriptions. The lyrics must also not glorify sinful actions.
The Prophet permitted young girls to sing on Eid, but warned that people would allow women to imitate men and allow them to play musical instruments. He made an exception for girls who were under age of responsibility, but did not deny that Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq had described two girls as musical instruments of the Shaytaan.
Women are also permitted to applaud during religious gatherings. However, they are not permitted to use instruments such as the oud, or to play on loudspeakers. This disturbs other Muslims and should be avoided.
Tambourine playing is also forbidden in contexts of prostitution and homosexuality, but it is permissible for women. If there are no immoral or haram themes, non-Islamic songs with vocals are permissible.
The only exception is the use of ad-duff (tambourine) at weddings. During weddings, the only musical instrument that is permissible is the daff. However, some Muslims have argued that tambourine playing is permissible in other contexts.
There is no consensus on the permissibility of music. However, religious opinion has a great deal to say on the issue, and should be addressed through debate and discussion. Music is a very important issue in the Islamic community, but Muslims must reach their own opinion on the issue. It is important to read and understand the arguments of scholars.
