Q: In some Masjids (mosques) in the Philippines and some other countries, drums are beaten to call people to Salah (prayer) after which the Adhan is announced. Is this practice permissible according to Islam?

A: Drums and other musical instruments may not be used to inform people of the beginning or the oncoming of the prescribed time for Salah. Rather, this practice is a prohibited Bid`ah (innovation in religion). Moreover, it is obligatory to say no more than the Shar'i Adhan. The Prophet (peace be upon him) is authentically reported to have said: If somebody innovates something which is not in harmony with the principles of our religion, that thing is rejected. Recorded by Al-Bukhari and Muslim. Moreover, Al-`Irbad Ibn Sariyah (may Allah be pleased (Part No. 6; Page No. 98) with him) said: One day the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) delivered a very eloquent Khutbah (sermon) on account of which eyes shed tears and hearts were full of fear. A man said, "O Prophet of Allah, this seems to be parting advice, so advise us." He (peace be upon him) said, "I admonish you to fear Allah, to listen and obey even if an Abyssinian slave is appointed as your leader, because whosoever among you shall live after me, will see much discord. So hold fast to my Sunnah and the examples of the Rightly-Guided Caliphs who will come after me. Member and hold to it fast. Beware of new things (in religion) because every Bid`ah is misguidance. Recorded by Abu Dawud and Al-Tirmidhy, who judged it to be a Hasan (a Hadith whose Sanad contains a narrator with weak exactitude, but is free from eccentricity or blemish) and a Sahih (a Hadith that has been transmitted by people known for their uprightness and exactitude; free from eccentricity and blemish) Hadith. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.