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As-salamu ´alaykum,

It is correct that Imam al-Rafi´i (rahmatu'Allahi ´alayh) permitted (a type of) flute. His statement is second only to Imam al-Nawawi (rahmatu'Allahi ´alayh) in the school. However, keep in mind that this does not necessarily mean their personal opinions are authorative, as you will find Nawawi saying that such and such is the opinion of the school, yet he himself goes to disagree with it, without it (his personal opinion) becoming the mu´tamad. However, in the Shafi´i school there is some freedom in following opinions other than the mu´tamad, and one would not be censored for playing the flute based on the fatwa of Rafi´i.

Wa'Llahu a'lam