It is also authentically reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: “Every pastime in which a man engages is an idle diversion, except shooting with his bow, training his horse, and playing with his wife, for these are worthwhile.”

Idle diversions are activities that bring no benefit. They are permitted for those who lack the patience to persevere in beneficial pursuits. This permission is appropriate to the extent needed, on occasions that call for it, such as festivals, weddings, the return of someone who has been away, and similar occasions.

Such are the dispositions of women and children. It was the women who would sing on these occasions during the time of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and his caliphs, and beat the tambourine. This was not practised among men. Rather, the early generations used to call a male singer effeminate because he imitated women. Hence the report: “Recite the Quran in the melodic styles of the Arabs, and beware of the melodic styles of non-Arabs, effeminate men, and women.”