Q: A game has recently spread in
Al-Madinah Al-Nabawiyyah known as "the pipe." It is described as follows: the players set fire around which they scatter salt and dust. Then, some people who seem heedless of the rulings of religion and the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) show up and start circumambulating round the kindled fire holding their sticks and playing some musical instruments, such as drums and tambourines. They clap, dance and sing obscene songs that propagate sensuality and forbidden feelings. (Part No. 26; Page No. 257) This is the pipe game. Unfortunately, it has become widely known in all districts of
Al-Madinah Al-Nabawiyyah, the city of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), every year at the same time, especially on the occasions of festivals. I have informed them of the impermissibility of such a game for the evils it entails and which could be summarized as follows:1. Kindling fire and imitating
fire worshippers and their like. As Muslims, we are prohibited to imitate those who worship fire.2. Their circumambulation around the fire is forbidden, because it is prescribed only for Muslims to circumambulate the Ka`bah3. Their use of the forbidden musical instruments, such as drums4. Their dancing and clapping are legally forbidden as known5. Finally, their obscene songs that propagate sensuality and forbidden passionsPlease, give the legal ruling in this regard for many people became convinced of its permissibility due to some Fatwas issued permitting it. Thus, they began practicing this forbidden game. When I tried to denounce what they do, they told me that I need to support my opinion with Fatwas from trustworthy scholars.
A:
The said pipe game is evil and Haram and should be prevented for the above mentioned reasons.
(Part No. 26; Page No. 258) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.