Different celebrations and their practices

Q 1: There are many ceremonies such as marriage, funerals, and other ceremonies where people bring singers, tambourines, loudspeakers, and they sing and dance to Islamic songs. In addition to this, there are sermons given by some scholars. Are such acts permissible in the perspective of the Shari`ah? If we attend some of theses ceremonies, will we be rewarded or will we be committing a sin? Please advise me, may Allah reward you.

A: Holding wedding banquets and women's beating tambourines and singing on that occasion when they are segregated from men is not wrong. It is Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet); however, for men it is not permissible to beat the tambourine or sing. As for holding ceremonies (Part No. 19; Page No. 124) on the occasion of death, it is Bid`ah (innovation in religion), and it must be abandoned. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet, his family and Companions.