Attending a Wedding Procession with Band Music

Question

There is a certain ‘alim (scholar) who does not attend any wedding procession where there is band music and the like, nor does he go to such a function to eat. Is this conduct of his correct or not? His relatives, friends and acquaintances object to him, saying that they have seen very great ‘ulama eating at a wedding procession with band music; but he pays no attention even to these remarks and flatly refuses to attend. Can the community accept such a person as its leader or not?

Answer

The conduct of this ‘alim is quite right; this is exactly how it should be, and precisely such an ‘alim is worthy of being accepted as a leader.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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