Are we allowed to Dance?

Truth's_Razors

From the Cha-Cha-Cha to Ballroom, from Hip-Hop to Belly Dancing - So are we allowed to dance?

Given, we're not allowed to dance in front of members of the opposite sex but what about for ourselves? Like are we allowed to dance in our rooms or join a dance class?

What do you think?

Forum

You — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 - 15:12

During the life of the Prophet ﷺ dancers were allowed to perform in the mosque of the prophet (saw).

Some scholars have distinguished between the types of dance and said the type that "bends/folds the belly" is not allowed (in public atleast).

Noor — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 - 15:25

[quote=Sunnipath]If dancing comprises takassur, it is forbidden for both men and women. Takassur means to fold the limbs of one�s body (such as the waist) in a manner that resembles what corrupt and shameless people do. As for if it does not comprise [h: takassur], it is permissible for both men and women, since it is mere movements of straightening and curving [h: one�s body and it is permitted to make such movements], and because he (Allah bless him and give him peace) approved of the Abyssinians doing it in his mosque on the day of Eid (narrated by Bukhari and Muslim) (Tuhfa, 10.221-222).[/quote]

You — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 - 18:27

I think that can be done, especially if you can get common sense to align with what is right (which I think you can).

Speaking of which, does anyone else get uncomfortable with watching you on the internet?

Even if I am on here or elsewhere, if I have viewers, I get the urge to simple browse the BBC News site til they are gone.

The Lamp — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 - 15:51

I'm not aware of a comandment that says "Thou shalt not dance" but common sense probably dictates that we should stay away from, I don't know belly dancing in public. LOL!

Isha Al-Maghribi — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 - 22:11

Do you like really see belly-dancing as that deregatory?
I used to do it, but I stopped when I was 16.
(Don't look down at me or shake your heads, because i have admitted it and being honest and now realise that it's wrong) but I didn't know it was something to be like ashamed of. I only realised that when one of my friends told me.
But yeah, when my parents went Turkey for their anniversary , there was a mosque, and there were guys outside wearing dresses and dancing, and it was something that was accepted in Turkey-a religious country for Muslims.
Like something usual, and not something odd.

You — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 - 23:30

As Truth's Razors said, it is all about audience - it is not wrong in itself and I would assume that it is good exercise too.

Also, kids do not have to observe the same etiquette as young adults.

You — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 - 23:48

[quote=Isha Al-Maghribi]But yeah, when my parents went Turkey for their anniversary , there was a mosque, and there were guys outside wearing dresses and dancing, and it was something that was accepted in Turkey-a religious country for Muslims.
Like something usual, and not something odd.[/quote]

The whirling dervishes I guess?

but yes, dancing etc of its own is not wrong.

It depends on the form and the audience, as it may be something that should be done in private.

You — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 - 23:48

[quote=Seraphim]wats Takassur?? I could google it but im being lazy.[/quote]

Excess?

Kathir is a lot, so I would assume that is is excess or related to that.

EDIT - in this case I would assume excessively exaggerated body movements in a sensual manner (done infront of an audience that is not the spouse).

Seraphim — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 - 23:51

Folding of the limbs, in a manner that corrupt and shameless people do... :?

huh?? hw do i knw wat corrupt and shameless ppl do??
someone demonstrate.

Seraphim — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 - 23:53

[quote=You][quote=Seraphim]wats Takassur?? I could google it but im being lazy.[/quote]

Excess?

Kathir is a lot, so I would assume that is is excess or related to that.

EDIT - in this case I would assume excessively exaggerated body movements in a sensual manner (done infront of an audience that is not the spouse).[/quote]

the quote provided by noor doesnt really say anything about an audience.

And what exactly is excessive body movement? running?

confused.com

You — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 - 23:57

that quote is inherrently about in public as the later example is about a dance done in the mosque. That is the context.

IE you can dance etc as long as it is "modest" and etc belly dancing or the salsa etc in front of an audience of strangers may not be considered modest.

Seraphim — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 - 00:00

[quote=You]that quote is inherrently about in public as the later example is about a dance done in the mosque. That is the context.

IE you can dance etc as long as it is "modest" and etc belly dancing or the salsa etc in front of an audience of strangers may not be considered modest.[/quote]

Salsa isnt modest? What about hip hop? The Rumba? Ball room?

im still unclear as to what is excessive.

You — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 - 00:04

Salsa was just the first one that came to mind.. IE I have heard of it.

I think most people can exercise their own judgement on what is allowed or not... "would you mind your parents to be there watching" may be a good way to give some guidance.. (but at the same time you wouldn't want them to be there watching for many halaal things either)

Seraphim — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 - 00:10

[quote=You]Salsa was just the first one that came to mind.. IE I have heard of it.

I think most people can exercise their own judgement on what is allowed or not... "would you mind your parents to be there watching" may be a good way to give some guidance.. (but at the same time you wouldn't want them to be there watching for many halaal things either)[/quote]

I wouldnt mind my parents watching me dance... its no big deal to them.

The Lamp — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 - 16:12

[quote=Isha Al-Maghribi]Do you like really see belly-dancing as that deregatory?
I used to do it, but I stopped when I was 16.
(Don't look down at me or shake your heads, because i have admitted it and being honest and now realise that it's wrong) but I didn't know it was something to be like ashamed of. I only realised that when one of my friends told me.
But yeah, when my parents went Turkey for their anniversary , there was a mosque, and there were guys outside wearing dresses and dancing, and it was something that was accepted in Turkey-a religious country for Muslims.
Like something usual, and not something odd.[/quote]

Hey, it's alright noone's judging you! I think most people have done nude dancing (on their own I hope LOL).

1R4M — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 - 21:57

hmmmmmm

controversial topic

the kurds all dance together u know
even the religious ones
they get into like a line
or circle
and just...sway waving hankies
(not literally im just messing!)

so.........

what do u make of that

alicia0945 — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 - 07:51

I find this post really hilarious.. For me, YES! we are allowed to dance. Dance is art and if you think you can do it,then do it. It is a matter of choice.. I dance in my house and in my room with a good music. It is a very good exercise too, it releases tension and calms your body afterward.

zdc — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 - 12:56

[quote=You]During the life of the Prophet ﷺ dancers were allowed to perform in the mosque of the prophet (saw).

Some scholars have distinguished between the types of dance and said the type that "bends/folds the belly" is not allowed (in public atleast).[/quote]

Geez, you're really messed up. Dance in the mosque of the prophet?? Please provide proof? Geez, I think you're jewish. I am quite sure like with everything else you will come up with nothing but garbage.

zdc — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 - 12:59

I guess it would be fine if done in the confines of ones own home without music. Kinda defeats the purpose does'nt it. Or for your husband, I would'nt mind my wife taking up pole dancing.

You — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 - 17:10

[quote=zdc]Geez, you're really messed up. Dance in the mosque of the prophet?? Please provide proof? Geez, I think you're jewish. I am quite sure like with everything else you will come up with nothing but garbage.[/quote]

Careful with your fatwas there - some will get really offended at you calling ahadith garbage for it indeed is an offensive thing to say.

From here:

Imam Ahmad reports the following narration in his Musnad :

حَدَّثَنَا ‏ ‏عَبْدُ الصَّمَدِ ‏ ‏قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا ‏ ‏حَمَّادٌ ‏ ‏عَنْ ‏ ‏ثَابِتٍ ‏ ‏عَنْ ‏ ‏أَنَسٍ ‏ ‏قَالَ ‏كَانَتْ ‏ ‏الْحَبَشَةُ ‏ ‏ يَزْفِنُونَ ‏ ‏بَيْنَ يَدَيْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ‏ ‏صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ‏ ‏وَيَرْقُصُونَ وَيَقُولُونَ ‏ ‏مُحَمَّدٌ ‏ ‏عَبْدٌ صَالِحٌ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ‏ ‏صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ‏ ‏مَا يَقُولُونَ قَالُوا يَقُولُونَ ‏ ‏مُحَمَّدٌ ‏ ‏عَبْدٌ صَالِحٌ

Anas ibn Maalik (radhiya Allahu ‘anhu) said that the Abyssinians danced in front of Rasulullah (SAWS) (sallalllahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) while saying “Muhammad is a Righteous Slave” (in ethiopian) upon which Rasulullah (SAWS) (sallallahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam asked, “What are they saying?” And they responded in Arabic, “Muhummadun ‘Abdun Saalihun”.

Shaykh Shu’ayb Al Arna’ut states in his ta’liq of the Musnad Ahmad, “It is authentic, and all of the men are the two Sahihs except for Hammad ibn Salamah, and he is from the men of Imam Muslim.”

This narration is also reported from our mother ‘Aa’ishah (radhiya Allahu ‘anhaa) as follows,

قَالَ ‏ ‏حَدَّثَنَا ‏ ‏سُلَيْمَانُ بْنُ دَاوُدَ ‏ ‏قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا ‏ ‏عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ يَعْنِي ابْنَ أَبِي الزِّنَادِ ‏ ‏عَنْ ‏ ‏هِشَامِ بْنِ عُرْوَةَ ‏ ‏عَنْ ‏ ‏أَبِيهِ ‏ ‏عَنْ ‏ ‏عَائِشَةَ ‏ ‏قَالَتْ ‏وَضَعَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ‏ ‏صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ‏ ‏ذَقْنِي عَلَى مَنْكِبَيْهِ لِأَنْظُرَ إِلَى ‏ ‏ زَفْنِ ‏ ‏الْحَبَشَةِ ‏ ‏حَتَّى كُنْتُ الَّتِي مَلِلْتُ فَانْصَرَفْتُ عَنْهُم

“‘Aa’ishah stated that Rasulullah (SAWS) put her cheek on his shoulder while looking at the Abyssinians dance…”4

The narration of Imam Muslim, however, has the words, “…on the day of ‘Eid in the Masjid…”. These narrations are proof that the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) allowed dancing in his presence. It further proves that one can dance while performing worship with the tongue and heart, as the Abyssinians were chanting “Muhammad is a Righteous Slave”, which is affirmation of the Prophethood, as well as the testimony of faith.

A hadith referenced in there I think is this, from a translation of Sahih Bukhari:

Narrated 'Aisha:

Once I saw Allah's Apostle at the door of my house while some Ethiopians were playing in the mosque (displaying their skill with spears). Allah's Apostle was screening me with his Rida' so as to enable me to see their display. ('Urwa said that 'Aisha said, "I saw the Prophet and the Ethiopians were playing with their spears.")

So please be careful with your words when you call something garbage.

LookingToSee — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 - 20:28

[quote=zdc][quote=You]During the life of the Prophet ﷺ dancers were allowed to perform in the mosque of the prophet (saw).

Some scholars have distinguished between the types of dance and said the type that "bends/folds the belly" is not allowed (in public atleast).[/quote]

Geez, you're really messed up. Dance in the mosque of the prophet?? Please provide proof? Geez, I think you're jewish. I am quite sure like with everything else you will come up with nothing but garbage.[/quote]

watch out for the stuff you say about others too..people might get offended about that as well...

the pole dancing, thats just gross!! i could start wearing a niqaab just so that you wont see me/wont consider me potential partner *shivers*

😛