Dancing is a system of emotional and physical enjoyment. At some point in life, we get interested in dancing. But it is Haram to dance in public. On the contrary, the question comes to us: is it Haram to dance in private?
From this question, many brothers and sisters want to know whether it is permissible to dance in Islam alone in one’s room or front of one’s husband or wife. I am writing today’s post to answer this question.
Is it Haram to dance in private?
No, It’s not Haram to dance in private. Because it is not an act that is obscene or leads people to sin. However, dancing in public is against Islamic principles and teachings. Because if a man or a woman dances in public, other people will be attracted to him. It will cause chaos. And if you dance in your private room, it is not likely.
In Islam, all entertaining songs, music, and dances are forbidden, which makes people unfaithful to Allah. It spoils the brain and increases blood pressure. Outwardly, women’s dances socially condemned men’s dances are spectacular. In Islam, it is forbidden to reveal the external beauty of women; there is no opportunity to show beauty in the veil.
According to the commentary of the Holy Quran
Tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their sexual organs. Let them not display their beauty except that which is generally visible, and let them leave their veils in the bosom, and let them be their husbands, fathers, fathers-in-law, sons, husbands’ sons, brothers, nephews, sons-in-law, enslaved women, sexless men. , and boys, who are ignorant of the private parts of women, let none but them reveal their beauty. Let them not tread loudly to disclose their secret adornment. Believers, all of you repent before Allah, that you may be successful (24:31).
Therefore, all dances that express beauty are Haram. But if a man or a woman dances in private, then these prohibitions do not apply to him because the harmful aspects that make dancing haram do not exist there.
Commentator of hadith
The Prophet ﷺ said:
لَيَشْرَبَنَّ أُنَاسٌ مِنْ أُمَّتِى الْخَمْرَ يُسَمُّونَهَا بِغَيْرِ اسْمِهَا وَتُضرَبُ عَلَى رُءُوسِهِمُ الْمَعَازِفُ يَخْسِفُ اللَّهُ بِهِمُ الأَرضَ وَيَجْعَلُ مِنْهُمْ قِرَدَةً وَخَنَازِيرَ
Some people of my Ummah will change the name of the wine and drink it. And over their heads musical instruments and singers will play the songs of Ramanis. Allah will destroy them on the ground. (Sunan Ibn Majah 4020 Sahih Ibn Hibban 6758)
Sahl bin Sa’d Razi. It was narrated from him that he said, The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said,
سَيَكُوْنُ فِيْ اخِرِ الزَّمَانِ خَسْفٌ وَقَذْفٌ وَمَسْخٌ , قِيْلَ: وَمَتَى ذَلِكَ يَا رَسُولَ اللهِ ? قَالَ: إِذَا ظَهَرَتِ الْمَعَازِفُ وَالْقَيْنَاتُ
Landslides, throws and distortions will soon appear in the end times. Rasulullah ﷺ was asked, O Messenger of Allah! When is it? He said, when musical instruments and singers will be exposed at a higher rate. (Ibn Majah 2/1350)
Narrated in the hadith of Musnad Ahmad (22361), the Prophet ﷺ said,
بَعَثَنِي اللهُ رَحْمَةً وَهَدًى لِلْعَالَمِينَ وَبَعَثَنِي لِمَحْقِ الْمَعَازِفِ وَالْمَزَامِيرِ, وَأَمْرِ الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ
Allah Ta’ala has sent me as guidance and mercy to the believers and has ordered the abolition of musical instruments, the cross and the practice of ignorance.
Is it Haram for a wife to dance in front of her husband in private?
No, it is not Haram for a wife to dance in front of her husband in private. Because Allah Ta’ala has made husband and wife lawful for each other, they will amuse each other and enjoy each other as they wish – until something Haram is connected.
So, it is halal for the husband to enjoy his wife’s dancing and singing. In this, both of them will be able to entertain themselves in a halal way instead of a haram manner. Moreover, it will be helpful for the husband to keep his eyes off the mistress and to create love and attraction towards his wife.
The condition that dancing in private is not Haram
Although dancing in private is not Haram, there are several conditions for it to be halal. Dances in Private will remain valid as long as these conditions exist. And if any infection is violated, private dance will become Haram.
- No music of any kind can be associated with the song because music is forbidden in Islam.
- They have to make sure that their mutual fun is not seen by anyone else.
- It is forbidden for a wife to go to a male dance teacher or watch music videos to learn dance.
Opinions of scholars
One of the best faqihs of this century is Allama Muhammad bin Saleh Al-Usaimin. He said, “And if the wife dances when there is no one else with the husband, then there is no problem in that.” Because it might help in attracting her husband, and whatever helps to attract the husband to the wife is desirable – as long as the main thing is not Haram.
That is why it is Sunnah to accept the adornment of the wife for the husband. As it is Sunnah for the husband to accept adornment for his wife – as his wife accepts adornment for him.” (Al Liqaush Shahri-12, Question No. 9)
FAQs – about Is it Haram to dance in private?
Can I dance in private if it’s not sensual or provocative?
Yes, the scholars say that the dance is not Haran in private if it is decent and not suggestive of badness. This is done in person. But it might be more acceptable. Especially husband and wife can do that.
What kind of dancing is Haram?
Dances that involve apparent or indecent gestural movements are Haram. It is as it is necessary to refrain from them only.
Is there a difference between men and women in dance?
Yes, there is a difference between men and women in dancing. There are strict guidelines for women. But the principles apply equally to both sexes.
If dancing is part of a cultural or traditional practice?
Some scholars may view cultural or traditional dances differently, mainly if they do not involve explicit or inappropriate movements.
Is it better to avoid dancing altogether to be safe?
Some people choose to avoid dancing altogether to adhere to a more conservative interpretation and avoid potential controversy.