Question:

I would like to know if it is allowed for me to dance, I am only 11, I will dress appropriately and I plan on having a female coach. Is this okay?

Answer:

According to some Maraji’ (e.g. Ayatollah Sistani) it is not permissible for any person, including a female person, to dance, even if she is dancing only in front of other females. According to other Maraji’ (e.g. Ayatollah Khamenei), it is permissible only for women to dance, and only in front of other women, and there must not be any other haram factors such as haram music etc.

The general advice however would be not to spend one’s time and energy at a young age such as yours on an activity like dancing. At best, its permissibility is doubtful, and even if in itself it may be permissible, other aspects such as the environment, the music etc., may tempt a person to sin.

It may be better to find some other interests which are definitely permissible in Islam, and engaging in those instead.

Answered by: Dr Ali Alsamail
Certified by: Sheikh Mansour Leghaei