Dance in Islamic Culture



Dance in Islamic Culture

Thesis Statement

“In Islamic Culture, religious scholars from different school of thought have different approaches towards the Islamic verdict on Dancing”.

Introduction

The Islamic teachings about Dancing differ across the religious groups and schools of thoughts. The traditional Sunni scholars believe that Men should not dance in any circumstances, whereas woman may dance in female gathering. There is no musical instrument allowed other then Duff beat. Women may dance in occasions like wedding ceremony, but their dance should not promote immoral behavior. Whereas few Sunni groups believe that, Men and Women both should not dance accordance to guidelines of Islam. Imam Jafar-as-Sadiq states that Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) said:

“I prohibit for you dancing and playing flute, drums and tabla.”(Hussain, 2005)

Shiya community scholars say that, in a marital relation, husband or wife may dance in each other's presence. Other than this scenario men and women should not dance in mixed gatherings. Another class is that of Sufis-the dedicated dancers. They make trance-like movements and feel that this act brings them closer to Allah (Palmer, n.d.).

Discussion and Analysis

Traditional Roles of Men and Women in Islam:

There are different roles and guidelines that Men and Women follow in Islamic society and comply with them. These guidelines categorize tasks on a gender basis. According to Quran verse, Men and Women have same human rights, but the applied Muslim laws do not reflect this equality. Quran verse 4.34 declares Men as the Guardian of women. Male and female scholars have interpreted this verse in different connotations. Female scholars suggest that conservative interpretation of this verse has limited Women's autonomy and independence. However it is a cultural practice in Islamic societies that women cannot take marriage and divorce related decision independently Anonymous (n.d.).

Attitudes toward Women

Previously in Islamic societies, women confronted gender biased system and dealt with the inequalities linked with it. However, many practices that are condemned as cruel activities of Muslims are the cultural actions that are misinterpreted as Islamic practices. For examples, marriages in early ages and murders/killings for honor are not particularly Muslims' activities. In the recent time, in the field of education and health, Muslim women have played a commendable role across the globe. On the large scale, Muslim women are now working and having rights similar to other women (Offenhauer, 2005).

Concept of Women's Dancing in Islam

Religion Islam allows its followers to have entertainment within the rules and limitations. It does ...