Ballet, Salsa, Tango, Hip-Hop, Belly and Other Dancing in Fujairah, UAE

Inquiry
One of the regular readers of Fujairah in Focus wrote asking whether I knew of any dance instructor or dance classes in Fujairah.

There are snippets of information around but if you know of dance classes or sessions starting and if you have an interest in being part of a group, do let me know and I can pass the word on.

Islam on Dancing
I was interested to learn how Islam views dancing and here is a summary statement on Islam Online (which may not necessarily reflect UAE standards):

“Dancing can be either between women, between men, or mixed between both sexes.”

Unrevealing and Free
“It is allowed for women to dance together unless it involves revealing any of the woman’s `awrah – that is, the parts of the body between the navel and the knee – in front of other women. It is also allowed unless the dancing means that mandatory obligations will not be carried out or if it coincides with unlawful acts.”

Not Stimulating Unhealthy Desire
“In this regard, Dr. Su’ad Salih, professor of Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) at Al-Azhar University , states:

‘Islam is a religion of moderation; it does not prevent singing and dancing, but it forbids anything that stimulates people’s desires, whether it be among men or women. Women are supposed to observe good manners if they dance in front of other women. They should not exceed the limits by doing anything that stimulates desires and incites evil. There are many cases where women are tempted by other women.’

Woman Dancing Before Husband Unrestricted
“However, if a woman dances in front of her husband, then there is no restriction, as it is a way of cementing relations between spouses – and this a key pillar of establishing the Muslim family.”

Women Before Women
“Moreover, Dr. Salim Ahmad Salamah, Dean of the Faculty of Usul Ad-Deen at the Islamic University, Gaza, adds:

‘It is permissible for women to dance and sing as long as there are no males around. In addition, the words of the song should be free from any foul words or vulgarity. Thus, as long as the words of the song are pure and clean and there are no males, there is nothing wrong in dancing.’

Men Before Men
“By analogy, men are allowed to dance together as long as they cover their 'awrah' (the parts of the body between the navel and the knee) and there is no fear of temptation.”

Mixed Dancing Prohibited
“Men and women dancing together is absolutely haram in all cases, except when a wife dances in front of her husband. The reason behind this prohibition is that with mixed dancing bodily contact is close and improper sexual desires are aroused. This has been strictly forbidden by Islam in an attempt to block the way against evil. If men and women were permitted to dance together, a lot of haram acts could occur. That is why mixed dancing is not allowed.”

As in all responses to ethical questions Islam Online concludes with the rider, ‘Almighty Allah knows best.’

Dancing in UAE
The UAE is an international society where traditional forms of dance are practiced and displayed in theatres and many different dancing clubs and classes are permitted.

Fujairah Scene
Do leave a comment about dance classes and clubs in the emirate of Fujairah.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff Pound can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.