The ‘Aqidah (creed) of Al-Asha`irah

Q: I am a Da`y (caller to Islam) who was appointed by the Indonesian House for Issuing Fatwas under the supervision of the religious attaché in Jakarta. I work in Sumatra in Western Indonesia, where I call people to Islam in Masjids (mosques) and schools. I also go to many places; from the cities to the villages to spread Da`wah all the time.Praise be to Allah, due to my efforts in this field many Christians, including Catholics embraced Islam. However, Bid`ahs (innovations in religion) and superstitions have emerged nowadays among some Muslims. They sing songs and lyrics accompanied by beating a Duff (a tambourine-like instrument without bells) to invite people to the gatherings held for D`awah. I became angry and prevented them from doing this saying that beating the Duff is prohibited except to announce marriage. (Part No. 12; Page No. 207) I wish your Eminence to give your opinion which is substantiated with the legal evidence concerning the ruling on beating the Duff in Masjids. This case is critical and may defeat the purposes of the Masjids. Many thanks for your concern and may Allah reward you! Surely, Allah does not waste the reward of those who do good deeds.

A: Beating the Duff to announce an Islamic lesson or lecture and the place where it takes place is a reprehensible Bid`ah. That is the worst act in a Masjid. It was not authentically established that the Prophet (peace be upon him) did or permitted his Sahabah (the Prophet's companions) to do such a thing. This was also not done by his succeeding Caliphs (may Allah be pleased with them) or by the Imams of guidance (may Allah be merciful to them) to gather people to listen to a lesson, make Bay`ah (pledge of allegiance) with the ruler of the Muslims, go out for Jihad (fighting/striving in the cause of Allah), or the other tasks by which a person draws nearer to Allah (Exalted be He). It has been authentically narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Whoever introduces things extraneous to our matter, i.e. religion, will have it rejected. And Whoever practices acts extraneous to ours, his act is rejected. On the other hand, the Prophet (peace be upon him) gave Rukhsah (concession) to beat the Duff in weddings only to announce the marriage. May Allah reward you for your striving and advice and for dismissing these Bid`ahs.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions.