The Devils Deception by Imam Ibn AL-Jawzi

T H E D E V I L ' S
D E C E P T I O N S
In addition, let us suppose that lbn al-Musayyab did beat the ground
with his foot: this furnished no evidence for the lawfulness of dancing.
For a man may beat the ground with his foot or knock it with
his hand at the sound of something, but this proceeding is not called
dancing.
This is one of their weakest proofs. How is striking the ground
once or twice similar to their dancing that makes them move away
from the decency of scholars?
Now let us stop citing proofs from literature, let us use sound
intellect as the judge: What sense does dancing make?! It is only
good for child's play! How does it motivate hearts to work for the
Hereafter?! This is nothing more than silliness.
Some scholars told me that al-Ghazal! said: Dancing (al-raw) is a
form of foolishness that only seizes when the dancer becomes too
tired to continue dancing.
Abii'l-Wafa' lbn 'Aqil said: The Qur'an was explicit on the prohibition
of dancing. Allah said:
"and do not walk through the earth exultantly."
[Luqmtin (31): 18),
and He condemned the arrogant person saying:
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"Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and
boastful."
[Luqmtin (31): 18)
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