Q 4: What is the ruling on women attending weddings and birthday parties? Although they are Bid`ah (innovation in religion) and it is known that every Bid`ah is a deviation from what is right. Female singers perform at these parties. Is it considered Haram (prohibited) for women to attend such parties in appreciation of the bride's family and not to listen to the singer?

(Part No. 19; Page No. 136)  A: It is permissible for women to attend these parties if they are free from evil such as men mixing with women and obscene singing. She should attend these parties to celebrate with them if she is able to change the evil, for attending in this case becomes necessary. On the other hand, it is prohibited for her to attend such parties if she cannot change the evil due to the general meaning of Allah's Saying: And leave alone those who take their religion as play and amusement, and whom the life of this world has deceived. But remind (them) with it (the Qur’ân) lest a person be given up to destruction for that which he has earned, when he will find for himself no protector or intercessor besides Allâh And: And of mankind is he who purchases idle talks (i.e. music, singing, etc.) to mislead (men) from the Path of Allâh without knowledge, and takes it (the Path of Allâh, or the Verses of the Qur’ân) by way of mockery. For such there will be a humiliating torment (in the Hell-fire). In addition to many Hadiths that dispraise singing and musical instruments. It is not permissible for a Muslim, male or female, to attend birthday parties for they are Bid`ah, unless they attend them to deny and explain the truth about them. (Part No. 19; Page No. 137) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.