Having a Duff beater at the wedding

Q: Tribesmen gather on many occasions most importantly during weddings. They hire what they call Al-Muzlif (a person who plays drums). They give him a sum of money that ranges from 3,000 to 5,000 Saudi Riyals provided that he should stay with them for the whole day. They argue that they make this ceremony at times other than that of prayer and do not distract people from worship. They say that it is an opportunity for the people of the tribe to gather and announce the marriage and so on. When one of our religious brothers advised them to substitute these ceremonies with useful religious lectures which will benefit everyone and bring up a good generation, they asked him to bring forth a Fatwa from the Permanent Committee for Ifta' about this. We appreciate your advice, may Allah reward you with the best.

A: When announcing marriage, it is permissible for men to gather and greet each other and socialize with them and to prepare a wedding banquet. With regards to women, it is permissible for them to play the Duff (a tambourine-like instrument without bells) to announce marriage. However, it is not permissible to bring Al-Muzlif that you mentioned. The money he gets for this is unlawful and it is not permissible for you to pay him this sum of money. (Part No. 19; Page No. 122) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.