The Ruling on Dancing and the Use of the Hand Drum for Women and Men at Weddings

Question:
May Allah reward you. Honorable Shaykh, he says: What is the ruling on women dancing at weddings with the use of the hand drum, and is it permissible for men to use the hand drum and listen to it at weddings?

Answer:
It is permissible for women, and indeed it is a recommended practice (sunnah) for women to play the hand drum and sing the customary songs that contain no indecent rhymes, no breaking of rhythm, no lewdness, and no musical instruments other than the hand drum. This is a recommended practice for the purpose of announcing the marriage. If they dance, it is permissible for them to dance, but not the kind of dancing known today that is lewd. This lewd dancing is not to be tolerated. However, modest dancing that involves covering and preserving one’s dignity, which is merely swaying among women with one another to express joy and happiness while the woman covers herself, or what is known as the wedding dance today, is permissible and there is nothing wrong with it. Yes, provided that this takes place in the presence of women only and men do not see them. It is not permissible for men to use the hand drum at weddings, as this was only prescribed for women. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) only commanded the women to do so and did not command the men; it is specific to women.