Q: In the south of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, there are many old habits, and we would like to know their rulings. In weddings and celebrations, people use instruments called Al-Zir and Al-Zalafa (types of drums). Al-Zir is a big bottle of pottery where people fasten the skin of a camel on its opening. They used to heat it before beating against it with two sticks while it is on the ground. Al-Zalafa is a wooden plate with an opening in the back that is about one span or more. This opening is from the part of the player's belly in order to control its sounds. In its sides there are small pins that are used to hang it by a belt to the belly of the player. Upon beating these drums, people who suffer devil's touch feel something strange known as Zar. (Part No. 19; Page No. 133) Males and females can suffer from this problem. These instruments are played according to a certain style. They keep playing these instruments until the person who suffers from these things regains consciousness. Those who suffer from this disease do some movements such as kneeling and prostrating before the person who is playing these instruments. Those who play these instruments sometimes put this heavy Zir on the head of the patient. Players do not play until they take money. They also do other strange things. The patient throws himself on the fire and catches fire with his hands. He also ascends on branches that have thorns. Moreover, he beats himself with a heavy stick. Some of them take a handful of dust and throw it on the fire and it gives a smell similar to that of incense. Moreover, Shaykhs in the area do not deny this. Some of them gave a Fatwa that these things are permissible, while neglecting what they contain of violations to Shari`ah (Islamic law). Is it permissible to do these things? Is it sufficient to use only tambourines in weddings? What should knowledge seekers and the Committee for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (CPVPV) do in this regard? Some people stipulate using these instruments in weddings. Is it permissible for them to do this? Is it permissible for us to attend weddings where such instruments are played?