Question Is it permissible for women at celebrations to listen to daffs that have metal circles around the edge (i.e., tambourines)? Is it permissible for women to listen to songs of joy accompanied by the daff at ordinary times – i.e., not on occasions of joy?.

Question

Is it permissible for women at celebrations to listen to daffs that have metal circles around the edge (i.e., tambourines)? Is it permissible for women to listen to songs of joy accompanied by the daff at ordinary times – i.e., not on occasions of joy?.

Praise be to Allah.
    Firstly: 

    In the answers to questions no.
    20406 and
    9290 we have already stated the 
    ruling on the daff, and said that it is permissible for women and not for 
    men to beat it and listen to it. The daff which is permissible is that which 
    is open on one side only. If it is closed on both sides or closed on one 
    side and has a small opening on the other side, then it is more like a 
    tablah (drum). The daff that is permissible is the one that does not have 
    any metal circles either inside it or around the edge. 

    Al-Safaareeni said: 

    If the daff has metal circles, then you have to break it 
    because it is not permissible. Imam Ahmad stated that if you break it, you 
    do not have to offer compensation to the owner. 

    As for the daff that is free of such things, it is 
    permissible for women to use it on occasions other than weddings. 

    Ghidha’ al-Albaab Sharh Manzoomat al-Adaab, 
    1/243. 

    Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was 
    asked: 

    There is a kind of drum that is covered on one side, and the 
    other side is mostly covered but has a small opening. Does this count as a 
    kind of daff? 

    He replied: 
This is a kind of drum, 
    and may be worse than an ordinary drum, because with this kind of drum the 
    sound comes out through this opening and vibrates more, so it is more 
    resonant than if it were fully closed or fully open. So it is not 
    permissible to use this as a daff is used, because the daff is undoubtedly 
    less effective than this. This gives a vibrating sound and is more 
    entertaining. 

    Liqaa’aat al-baab al-Maftooh, 
    question no. 1141. 

    The basic principle concerning musical instruments is that 
    they are haraam; an exception is made in the case of the daff on certain 
    occasions. The daff which is exempted is that which does not have any extra 
    things such as rattles or metal circles. We have already discussed the 
    ruling on musical instruments in the answer to question no.
    5000. 

    Secondly: 

    The ahaadeeth which speak of beating the daff mention three 
    occasions: Eid, weddings and the return of one who has been away. You can 
    read the evidence for that in question no.
    20406.