Q:

Assalamu’alaikum. There is a hadith I read a while ago that says (something like) “the difference between halal and haram is the duff and the voice for the weddings”.

My question is – what does this hadith means in simple words? Is it saying that duff is only allowed at weddings?

The reference I found is Sunan an-Nasa’i 3369 Or in-book reference: Book 26, Hadith 174

A:

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu waRahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

The hadith intends to teach us that marriage must never remain a secret marriage; instead, it should be publicized and celebrated.

Marriage in Islam is a solemn social contract. It is a solemn vow made in the presence of witnesses; it should be publicized so that the society can easily distinguish it from illicit unions.

The Prophet said, “Publicise marriages and beat drums on them.” (At-Tirmidhi and others)

The hadith you cited is confirming the same concept, and it stresses the importance of distinguishing marriage from illicit liaisons or unions.

It also encourages us to celebrate marriages through lawful entertainment, including clean music.

Almighty Allah Knows best.