سلام عليكم و رحمة الله

Is it permissible to play the dhol (pakistani drum) at a wedding? This instrument differs from a Dholki, which is a smaller version that is played with the hands. The Dhol is played with two sticks. Please share with me the rationalization and evidences for the fatwa on this issue. Thanks.

بارك الله فيك

All praise be to Allah, and may His blessings and peace be on His last messenger, Muhammad,

The ruling of using large drums like this one is controversial. The majority forbids it, with some exceptions. The Hanafis allow it in wars, weddings, during travel, and for alarming people to danger or waking them up for suhoor, and the likes. The Malikis disagreed over its use within their madh-hab, with many of them considering it similar to daff in ruling, making it permissible according to them in weddings and ‘eids. The majority of the Shafi’is forbid it, but some allowed it for war, ‘eids, and during hajj for alerting the pilgrims. The Hanbalis allowed it during war time.

Avoidance of using this instrument is undoubtedly encouraged, due to some of the reports about the prohibition of drums, though their authenticity is not established, and also due to the position of the majority of earlier scholars. However, I can’t find a validation for prohibiting those drums, and there is no consequential difference (fariq mu’ath-thir) to me between the duff and the drums. Thus, I would discourage its use, but will refrain from calling it haram.

Allah knows best.