Muslims and Traditional Dance Performance in Dagboŋ, Northern Ghana

Abstract

In the Tamale Metropolis of Dagboŋ in Northern Ghana, there is little relationship between Salafī Muslims and traditional Dagboŋ dance practitioners. This is because music-making and dancing are regarded as ḥarām (forbidden/sinful) by local Salafī Sunnī Muslims. Whereas the Salafī Muslims disapprove of the practice of music-making and dancing in Islam, other Muslim Sufi orders such as the Tijāniyya and the Aḥmadiyya maintain otherwise. This chapter explores the Qurʾān and the ḥadiths to ascertain the Salafī views as to whether or not Muslims are allowed to perform traditional dance forms. Through participant observation, interviews, focus group discussion and content analysis, the chapter seeks to understand the complexity and significance of music-making and dance among Muslim communities in Ghana.