But is it stipulated that the absent person be someone of rank, honor, and standing—such as a governor, a minister, or the like?

Apparently, yes, based on the principle we mentioned: whatever departs from a general ruling must be restricted by the qualifications attached to it in terms of type, description, time, place, and every other respect. Since the basic principle is generality, it would appear that this is permissible only for someone of standing in the town.

If someone were to ask: “What if the man has no standing in the town, but he does have standing among his tribe, as may be the case in the desert, for example? May the daff be beaten upon his arrival?”

The answer is: Yes, the daff may be beaten upon his arrival, because it is an occasion of joy.

Likewise, during the days of Eid, the daff is permissible for both men and women alike, because it is a general joy in which everyone rejoices. It is a day of happiness, and there is no doubt that the daff brings happiness to a person, causing him to rejoice and be pleased.

Should we extend this ruling to every joyful occasion?

Apparently, we should not extend it except to a joy that is general in nature, such as the Eids, the arrival of an absent person who has standing in the town, and similar occasions. Otherwise, one should limit oneself to what has been reported.

The same applies to childbirth: when a person is blessed with a son or a daughter, they beat the daff.

The same also applies to the marriage contract, which is the contract of matrimony. This may fall under the author’s statement, “marriage,” because marriage may take place through consummation or through the contract itself.