Dance in Islamic Culture: Between Piety, Mysticism, and Self-Expression Introduction: A Complex Consensus in Diversity Dance in Islamic culture represents a complex and ambiguous phenomenon, resistant to a single evaluation. Its attitude is formed in the triangle of religious precepts (sharia), Sufi mystical practice, and local folk traditions. As a result, a wide range of practices arises: from complete rejection in some Salafist circles to elevating dance to the highest form of worship among Sufis. This contradiction is rooted in different interpretations of Islamic law and anthropology, as well as in the historical interaction of Islam with pre-Islamic cultures of the conquered peoples. Religious-Legal (fiqh) Discourse: Permissibility and Conditions Within Islamic law (fiqh), there is no direct ban on dance in the Koran. However, scholars derive their evaluations from general principles and hadiths (narrations of the Prophet Muhammad's words and deeds). Critical Approach (makruh or haram): Based on hadiths that condemn imitating the opposite sex, denounce excessive mixing of genders and entertainment that distract from the remembrance of Allah (zikr). Particularly harshly condemned are dances considered to provoke sexual arousal (fitna), whether performed by women in front of men or vice versa. In this sense, many modern pop dances are often condemned. Moderate/Permitting Approach (mubah or halal): Allows dances under certain conditions: Intention (niyat): Dance should not be sinful or idle, but may serve permissible joy (e.g., at a wedding). Content: Movements should not imitate the opposite sex or be indecent. Context: Absence of mixing of genders, consumption of haram (alcohol), musical instruments that may be considered forbidden. Clothing: Should comply with sharia norms (awrat covered). As a result, in practice, different schools of law (mazhabs) and cultures have formed their own customs. For example, at weddings in Arab countries, dancing is often separat ... Read more