The Reeds Game
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Fatwa No. ( 14644 )
Q: A game has spread in the Prophet’s City, known as “al-Mizmar” (the Reeds). The description of this game is as follows: a fire is lit, and salt and dirt are scattered around it. Then people come who do not appear to be righteous, nor do they show any concern for applying the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). They circle this lit fire with their sticks and beat some musical instruments and ma'azif (musical instruments); such as the drum, the reed pipe, the hand drum, and the like. They clap, dance, and sing obscene and ugly songs that call for love and passion, falsehood, and what is forbidden.
This is the game of “al-Mizmar” known in our time; and unfortunately, it is held in all the neighborhoods of the Prophet’s City, the city of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), every year, especially during the festivals. I have issued a ruling to them that this game is forbidden because of the wrongs it contains, which are summarized as follows: 1 - Their lighting of the fire and their imitating those who worship it, such as the Zoroastrians and others, and we have been forbidden from imitating them. 2 - Their circling it, and circumambulation is not prescribed or known except around the House. 3 - Their use of forbidden instruments of amusement from the ma'azif (musical instruments), such as the drum, for example. 4 - Their dancing and clapping, and the prohibition of that has been reported, as you know. 5 - Their uttering and singing of obscene and foolish words that call for love and passion. So we ask your Eminence to clarify the ruling of Allah regarding this game, knowing that many people have been convinced by the ruling of some that it is permissible and lawful, so they have become attending it and not hesitating to play it. When I rebuked them for that, they said: You must bring us a fatwa from someone who is relied upon.
A: The aforementioned game of al-Mizmar is a wrong, and it must be prevented for the reasons explained in the question.
Q: A game has spread in the Prophet’s City, known as “al-Mizmar” (the Reeds). The description of this game is as follows: a fire is lit, and salt and dirt are scattered around it. Then people come who do not appear to be righteous, nor do they show any concern for applying the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). They circle this lit fire with their sticks and beat some musical instruments and ma'azif (musical instruments); such as the drum, the reed pipe, the hand drum, and the like. They clap, dance, and sing obscene and ugly songs that call for love and passion, falsehood, and what is forbidden.
This is the game of “al-Mizmar” known in our time; and unfortunately, it is held in all the neighborhoods of the Prophet’s City, the city of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), every year, especially during the festivals. I have issued a ruling to them that this game is forbidden because of the wrongs it contains, which are summarized as follows: 1 - Their lighting of the fire and their imitating those who worship it, such as the Zoroastrians and others, and we have been forbidden from imitating them. 2 - Their circling it, and circumambulation is not prescribed or known except around the House. 3 - Their use of forbidden instruments of amusement from the ma'azif (musical instruments), such as the drum, for example. 4 - Their dancing and clapping, and the prohibition of that has been reported, as you know. 5 - Their uttering and singing of obscene and foolish words that call for love and passion. So we ask your Eminence to clarify the ruling of Allah regarding this game, knowing that many people have been convinced by the ruling of some that it is permissible and lawful, so they have become attending it and not hesitating to play it. When I rebuked them for that, they said: You must bring us a fatwa from someone who is relied upon.
A: The aforementioned game of al-Mizmar is a wrong, and it must be prevented for the reasons explained in the question.
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.