Teaching dance at home can be a sweet way to rekindle romance — and many scholars say it’s fine as long as it stays private, modest, and purposeful.
Dance, as an ancient art form, encounters varied perspectives within Islamic societies. This article examines whether teaching dance to perform before one’s husband is permissible or prohibited according to religious authorities.
Dance is an old and beautiful art practiced in many societies in different styles and forms. This art is not merely for entertainment; it can also serve as a means of expressing emotions and a nation's culture. However, in certain societies—especially Islamic ones—questions arise about whether dance is lawful (halāl) or forbidden (ḥarām). A common question in this area is whether teaching dance for the purpose of performing before one’s husband is forbidden. In this article we analyze the issue and consider various viewpoints.
In many cultures, dance is recognized as a form of emotional expression and celebration. In some cultures dance takes on social or religious ceremonial roles, while in others it is primarily a recreational activity.
In Islamic societies dance is generally viewed with greater caution. Some people believe dance should be confined to women-only gatherings, and that mixed settings of men and women are inappropriate. Moreover, some scholars hold that dance can provoke sensual feelings and therefore may be forbidden in certain circumstances.
There are diverse opinions among religious scholars regarding dance. Each scholar grounds his or her view in interpretations of Qur'anic verses and the Prophet’s Sunnah and issues rulings accordingly.
Some scholars contend that dance is permissible provided it does not cross Islamic boundaries. They emphasize that when dance is used to foster emotional intimacy and affection between spouses, it may be beneficial.
Conversely, another group of scholars maintains that dance—particularly in mixed gatherings of men and women—is forbidden. They argue that dance may lead to sin and corruption and should therefore be avoided.
Turning to the article’s central question—Is teaching dance for one’s husband forbidden?—we should consider several points:
Appropriateness of the setting: If dance instruction takes place privately at home or within women-only circles as a creative and recreational activity, many scholars consider it permissible. Such dancing can help strengthen emotional bonds between spouses.
Non-mixing (no-khalṭ): If the instruction is non‑mixed and conducted in privacy, it tends to attract more approval.
Purpose of the dance: When the purpose is to enhance emotional intimacy and create joyful moments between spouses, the act can be seen positively.
Dance can serve as an effective tool for strengthening emotional ties between spouses. Some of its benefits include:
- Increased self‑confidence: Learning to dance can boost one’s confidence in the presence of a spouse.
- Strengthened emotional connection: Sharing dance as a joint activity can increase closeness between partners.
- Stress reduction: Dancing as a recreational activity can reduce stress and anxiety, creating a more joyful environment for the couple.
