Fatwa On Dancing While Performing Zikir

FATWA ON DANCING WHILE PERFORMING ZIKIR

Dancing for the purpose of performing dhikr contradicts the Shariah texts and the purpose of the legislation of dhikr itself. This was never done by the Messenger and the generation of al-Salaf al-Saleh. Dhikr must be performed in a state of reverence and tranquillity.

The texts purportedly used to permit dancing for zikir, such as misinterpretations of verse 191 of Surah Ali ‘Imran, the story of Ja‘far, the incident of the Habashah dance, the swaying of certain Companions of the Prophet SAW, and others are either:

1. Misinterpreted;
2. The narration is not authentic, or
3. The evidence is taken out of context.

As for dhikr in all circumstances permitted by Shariah, such as whilst working, driving, playing sports and the like, is something praiseworthy.

Thus, a Muslim must distinguish between dancing for zikir as an act of worship and performing zikir during daily activities.

As for dancing specifically to perform dhikr to draw closer to Allah, it is prohibited by Shariah. Meanwhile, performing dhikr whilst conducting good activities is something encouraged.

As for spontaneous swaying or movement occurring without the intention of worship during zikir, Qur’an recitation, or the like, is not prohibited.