As for beating [the daff] with a rod, it is disliked (74) if a forbidden or disliked matter is joined to it, such as clapping, singing, and dancing. If it is free from all of that, it is not disliked, for it is neither an [inherently forbidden] instrument nor [a source of] sinful revelry, and it is not heard in isolation, unlike other pastimes. The view of al-Shafi'i in this section is as we have stated.

Section: Our companions differed regarding singing. Abu Bakr al-Khallal and his companion Abu Bakr Abd al-Aziz went to the view of its permissibility. Abu Bakr Abd al-Aziz said: Singing and lamentation are one and the same; they are permissible as long as there is no prohibited act with them and no disparagement. Al-Khallal used to interpret the dislike (75) expressed by Ahmad as referring to the blameworthy actions associated with it, not to the speech itself. It was narrated from Ahmad that he heard a singer at his son Salih's house and did not rebuke him. Salih said to him: "O father, did you not use to dislike this?" He replied: "It was said to me that they engage in prohibited acts." Among those who held the view of its permissibility without dislike are Sa'd ibn Ibrahim, many of the people of Medina, and al-Anbari, due to what was narrated from Aisha, may God be pleased with her, who said: "I had two young girls with me singing, then Abu Bakr entered (77) and said: 'The flute of Satan in the house of the Messenger of God (peace and blessings of God be upon him)!' The Messenger of God (peace and blessings of God be upon him) said: 'Leave them alone, for these are days of Eid.'" Muttafaq 'alayh (agreed upon) (78). From Umar, may God be pleased with him, it is narrated that he said: "Singing is the traveler's provision." The Qadi chose the view that it is disliked but not forbidden, which is the opinion of al-Shafi'i, who said: "It is from the disliked pastimes." Ahmad said: "Singing induces hypocrisy (79) in the heart; I do not like it." Other companions of ours held the view of its prohibition. Ahmad said regarding a man who died and left behind an orphan child and a singing slave girl, and the boy needed to sell her: "She is to be sold as an ordinary slave." It was said to him: "She is worth thirty thousand as a singer, and twenty dinars as an ordinary slave." He said: "She is not to be sold except as an ordinary slave."