Question:
assalaamu alaikum,
There are quotes online where Imam Qurtubi in surah al kahf verse 14, surah bani israel verse 37 and surah al anfal verse 35 seems to prohibit raqs. Is it correct to say that the Imam prohibited Raqs ? Or is there a more comprehensive view of his position ?
And how is the verse “Their prayer at the House (of Allah) is nothing but whistling and clapping of hands.” (8:35) understood by those who permit raqs ?
Answer:
`Alaykum as-Salam,
On raqs see http://www.seekingilm.com/archives/50 and https://eshaykh.com/sufism/origins-of-the-hadrah/
As for the verse it refers by consensus to the polytheists of Mecca who sought to disturb the praying of the Holy Prophet (upon him blessings and peace) with their childish noise and used to circumambulate naked. (Tafsir al-Tabari)
Hajj Gibril Haddad
