Date : 13-12-2009

Question :

I`m thinking about renting a two-floor building as a wedding venue. There won`t be any mingling between men and women, intoxicants or other forbidden foods and drinks. However, there will be a DJ through which popular songs will be played. Based on the aforementioned, is the revenue of this wedding venue lawful taking into consideration the fact that playing music is a doubtful matter? Is there a solution for this since the latter is a common trial?

The Answer :

Praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.


 


Renting the two-floor building as a wedding venue is permissible if there is no mixing between men and women in any form and no forbidden foods or drinks are served.


As for playing popular songs, if they include words that are bad or lascivious and are accompanied with musical instruments, then they are forbidden according to Sharia. If not, then they are allowed; however, it is forbidden for you (Asker) to play  what is forbidden or allow it. Nontheless, if the duff (hand-drum) is used along with Prophetic praise, Islamic Hymns or religious lectures then this is recommended.


As regards the income generated from this business, we have to differentiate between two things:


First: The money paid for renting that building is lawful but suspicious because music is played although this isn`t stated in the contract. 


Second: The income generated from renting instruments that produce music is racketeering and thus forbidden.


Accordingly, we advise you not to play songs in this venue since Allah has given you a lawful alternative, which is Prophetic praise, Islamic Hymns and lectures, in addition to the duff, and doing this makes the revenue  of your business lawful. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.