Question:
Is the musical instrument of Duff permitted in Islam?
If it is permitted, then how and with what must it be constructed for it to be permitted in Islam?
Answer:
The Duff is a circular musical instrument with one of its sides covered with leather, some have small metal discs around it and some don’t.
The permissibility of aiding Islamic songs with a Duff is a controversial issue but a great majority of our Akaabireen (pious Ulamaa) have ruled it to be impermissible by passing a general ruling of the impermissibility of listening to any type of songs which are aided by musical instruments of any kind. (Fataawaa Darul Uloom, Vol. 1 (Azizul Fataawaa), Page 739, Aapke Masaail aur Unkaa Hal, Vol. 7, Page 345)
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Qasim bin Hashim Limbada
Attested to as correct by:
Mufti Muhammad Ashraf
Darul Iftaa
Jameah Mahmoodiyah
Springs
18 May 2004
27 Rabee’ul Awwal 1425