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Etiquette · Chapter 9

Chapter on Poetry, and Singing

27 narrations · In source reading order

Hadith 4596

Volume 4

English

Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “On the night I was taken on the Isra’, I passed by a people whose lips were being cut with scissors of fire. I said, ‘O Jibril, who are these?’ He said, ‘These are the preachers of your nation who say what they do not do.’”

Qur’an-related source paragraphs

The saying of Allah, the Mighty and Exalted: O you who believe, why do you say what you do not do? It is most hateful in the sight of Allah that you say what you do not do. [As-Saff: 2-3]

The saying of Allah, the Exalted: As for the poets, the misguided follow them. Have you not seen that they wander aimlessly in every valley, and that they say what they do not do? Except those who believe and do righteous deeds, remember Allah abundantly, and defend themselves after being wronged. And those who have wronged will soon know to what end they will return. [Ash-Shu‘ara: 224-227]

Possible references (unverified, pending editorial review)
  • Candidate: Mishkat al-Masabih 4800 (unverified) 80% confidence
  • Candidate: Mishkat al-Masabih 4801 (unverified) 30% confidence

Mishkat (candidate) 4801

Confidence and text similarity are not editorial verification.

Commentary and footnotes (2)

Chapter-heading commentary

If Muhammad tells you stories of ‘Ad and Thamud, I will tell you stories of Rustam, Isfandiyar, and the Persian kings.

(1) Regarding His statement: And among the people are those who purchase idle talk, etc., it pertains to the issue of the prohibition of singing. Know that the matter of singing is among the most disputed issues, with conflicting Qur’anic verses and Hadiths indicating both its permissibility and prohibition. The opinions of scholars and the righteous have varied greatly. We will first present the conflicting arguments, then clarify the true position. We say: Among the verses indicating its prohibition is the aforementioned verse, which was revealed concerning An-Nadr ibn Al-Harith, who purchased Persian books and narrated their stories to the Quraysh, saying, “If Muhammad tells you stories of ‘Ad and Thamud, I will tell you stories of Rustam, Isfandiyar, and the Persian kings.” It is also said that he purchased singing slave girls and encouraged their interaction with those inclined toward Islam, saying, “This is better than what Muhammad calls you to,” as mentioned in Al-Kashaf and Al-Baydawi. In another narration from the ascetic Imam, it is said that this verse was revealed about Al-Walid ibn Al-Mughirah. The term “purchase” here refers either to literal buying, as explained, or to choosing. If “idle talk” refers specifically to false narratives, the attribution of “idle” to it is descriptive; if it is broader, the attribution implies partiality, as in “some” idle talk. The verb “mislead” is read with both a dammah and a fathah, meaning either the one who misleads or the one who is misled. Likewise, “take it” is read as accusative, in conjunction with “mislead,” or nominative, in conjunction with “purchase.” We say this verse indicates the prohibition of singing because Allah, the Exalted, condemns those who engage in idle talk and threatens them with a humiliating punishment. Although “idle talk” appears general, encompassing anything that distracts from what matters—such as baseless stories, myths, jests, and idle chatter, as most exegetes opine, aligning with the first narration of its occasion of revelation—yet, in Al-Fatawa Al-Hamadiyya and Al-‘Awarif, it is reported that Ibn Abbas and Ibn Mas‘ud swore by Allah that they heard from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) that it refers to singing, supported by the second narration of its occasion. Thus, it serves as evidence for its prohibition. Additionally, the verse at the end of Surah An-Najm: And you are heedless [An-Najm: 61], as mentioned in Al-Baydawi, refers to singing. In Al-‘Awarif, it is reported that Abdullah ibn Abbas swore that it refers to singing. Also, in Surah Bani Isra’il, His statement: And incite whomever you can among them with your voice [Al-Isra: 64], as cited in Al-Fatawa Al-Hamadiyya and Al-‘Awarif, was interpreted by Mujahid as indicating the prohibition of singing, as it is addressed to Iblis (may he be cursed), meaning: stir the children of Adam with your voice, which refers to singing, flutes, drums, and the like. These three verses indicate its absolute prohibition. The authentic Hadiths supporting its prohibition are too numerous to count, many of which are mentioned in Al-‘Awarif and various books of fatwas. Among them is what is cited at the end of this chapter from Al-Mishkat. Also, it is narrated that when the son of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), Tahir, died, his eyes wept. Abdur-Rahman ibn Awf said, “O Messenger of Allah, did you not forbid us from weeping?” He replied, “I only forbade you from two foolish and wicked sounds: the sound of lamentation and the sound of singing.” The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) also said, “Iblis was the first to wail and the first to sing.” He further said, “Singing is forbidden, taking pleasure in it is disbelief, and sitting for it is transgression and sin.” And he said, “No man raises his voice in singing except that Allah sends two devils upon him: one on this shoulder and one on that, and they continue striking him with their feet until he himself falls silent.” These arguments all indicate its absolute prohibition. As for the arguments supporting its permissibility, as mentioned in Al-‘Awarif: Among the verses are His saying: And when they hear what has been revealed to the Messenger, you see their eyes overflowing with tears because of what they have recognized of the truth [Al-Ma’idah: 83], and His saying: So give good tidings to My servants who listen to the word and follow the best of it [Az-Zumar: 17-18], and His saying: Their skins shiver from it, those who fear their Lord; then their skins and hearts soften to the remembrance of Allah [Az-Zumar: 23]. These verses indicate listening to speech, weeping over it, and the skin shivering from it, though their evidence is weak. The author of Al-‘Awarif said: This is a general matter that none dispute. The disagreement lies in listening to poetry with melodies. The opinions on this are numerous and varied. Among the Hadiths is the narration of the pious Shaykh from his father, the Hafiz Al-Maqdisi, who reported from Abu Bakr Al-Qasim Al-Hasan ibn Muhammad Al-Khawlani, from Abu Muhammad Abdullah ibn Yusuf, from Abu Bakr ibn Wathab, from Umar ibn Al-Khattab, from Al-Awza‘i, from Az-Zuhri, from ‘Urwah, from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), that Abu Bakr entered upon her while two slave girls were singing and playing tambourines, and the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was covered with his garment. Abu Bakr rebuked them, but the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) uncovered his face and said, “Leave them, O Abu Bakr, for these are the days of Eid.” Also, Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that she had a slave girl who was singing, and the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) entered while she continued. When Umar entered, she fled, and the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) laughed. Umar said, “What makes you laugh, O Messenger of Allah?” He told him about the slave girl, and Umar said, “I will not leave until I hear what the Messenger of Allah heard.” So the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) ordered her to sing for him. Aisha also narrated, “I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) shielding me with his cloak while I watched the Abyssinians playing in the mosque until I grew tired.” Additionally, it is narrated from Abu Zur‘ah Tahir, from his father Abu Fadl Al-Hafiz Al-Maqdisi, from Abu Mansur Muhammad ibn Abdul-Malik Az-Zafari As-Sarkasi, from Abu Ali Fadl ibn Mansur ibn Nasr Al-Kaghdhi As-Samarqandi, from Al-Haitham, from Kulaib, from Abu Bakr Ammar ibn Ishaq, from Sa‘d ibn Amir, from Shu‘bah, from Abdul Aziz ibn Suhaib, from Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: We were with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) when Jibril descended and said, “O Messenger of Allah, the poor of your nation will enter Paradise half a day before the rich, which is five hundred years.” The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) rejoiced and said, “Is there anyone among you who can recite poetry for us?” A Bedouin said, “Yes, I can, O Messenger of Allah.” He said, “Go ahead.” So the Bedouin recited: A viper of love has stung my heart … Only the beloved, for whom I am smitten, can heal. There is no physician for it, nor enchanter … For with him lies my cure and antidote. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was moved, and the Companions were moved with him until his cloak fell from his shoulders. When they finished, Mu‘awiyah ibn Abi Sufyan said, “How beautiful is your play, O Messenger of Allah!” He replied, “O Mu‘awiyah, no one is noble who does not stir at the mention of the Beloved.” Then the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) divided his cloak among those present into four hundred pieces. This Hadith is narrated as we heard and found it, though Hadith scholars have questioned its authenticity. We found nothing else resembling the ecstasy, gatherings, and practices of the people of our time except this. How excellent is the argument of the Sufis and the people of our time in their listening, tearing their garments, and distributing them, if it were authentic—but Allah knows best. There is a subtle doubt that it is not authentic, and I found no taste in the Prophet’s (ﷺ) gatherings with his Companions relying on this Hadith, and the heart refuses to accept it. Allah knows best and is Most Wise. These arguments all indicate its permissibility, as the least status of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) actions and words is that they are permissible. Thus, the narrations indicating permissibility and prohibition appear to conflict, and their historical context is unclear. According to the principles of jurisprudence, two rules necessitate its prohibition: First, when permissibility and prohibition conflict, acting upon prohibition is preferable. Second, when two narrations conflict, one must follow the statements of the Companions. Here, the Companions’ statements indicate absolute prohibition, as Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “I have not sung, nor wished to, nor touched my private parts with my right hand since I pledged allegiance to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).” Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “Singing breeds hypocrisy in the heart.” It is also narrated that Ibn Umar passed by a group of destitute people, among whom was a man singing, and he said, “May Allah not hear you,” twice. The Successors and those who followed them also affirmed its prohibition. Some said, “Beware of singing, for it increases desire and destroys manliness. It takes the place of wine and causes intoxication.” Fudayl ibn Al-‘Iyad said, “Singing is the spell of fornication.” Ad-Dahhak said, “Singing corrupts the heart and angers the Lord.” The four noble Imams also disapproved of it. As mentioned in Al-‘Awarif, Ash-Shafi‘i said in his book on judiciary, “Singing is a disliked amusement resembling falsehood.” He added, “Whoever indulges in it excessively is a fool whose testimony is rejected.” According to Malik, if someone buys a slave girl and finds her to be a singer, he may return her due to this defect. Similarly, Imam Abu Hanifah’s view is that listening to singing is among the sins. Only a few jurists permitted it, and even those who did forbade its public performance in mosques and sacred places. It is well-known that Abu Hanifah (may Allah be pleased with him) was once invited to a wedding where there was play and singing. At that time, he was not yet a followed authority, so he endured it. When asked about it later, he said, “I was afflicted with this once and endured it.” His statement “afflicted” indicates its absolute prohibition, as affliction pertains to the forbidden. Many mujtahids, numbering up to seventy-two, agreed on its absolute prohibition, and their opinions are compiled in a treatise for those who wish to refer to it. Most scholars of the noble Sharia agreed on its absolute prohibition. However, some made distinctions for reconciliation. The Shaykh of Shaykhs in Al-‘Awarif said: As for the tambourine and cymbals, though there is some leniency in the Shafi‘i school, it is better to avoid them. As for poetry about Paradise, Hell, longing for the eternal abode, describing the blessings of the Mighty King, acts of worship, and encouraging good deeds, there is no basis for objection. This includes poems of warriors and pilgrims describing battles and Hajj, which stir resolve in the warrior and longing in the pilgrim. However, poetry mentioning figures, cheeks, and descriptions of women is not fitting for the pious to gather for. As for poetry about separation, union, estrangement, and nearness, which can be interpreted as relating to the states of devotees and the trials of seekers in relation to Allah, the Exalted, if one listens to it and feels remorse for what has passed or renewed resolve for what is to come, how can such listening be objected to? This is his statement. Others provided another angle of reconciliation, permitting it for the “worthy,” as defined by Imam Al-Ghazali as those with a living heart and a dead ego, not swayed by whims or diverted from the truth. They stipulated that the singer must also be worthy, not intending to earn a wage, show off, or seek fame, and that only the worthy and their like attend the gathering. This is the view of most later scholars, and we adopt it, for we have witnessed people who were knowers of Allah, lovers of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), followers of his laws, and possessors of manifest miracles and extraordinary feats. They were excused due to being overcome by their state, frequently engaging in listening to singing to inspire longing for the manifestations of Allah, the Exalted. They considered it a great act of worship, attended only by the upright, not the wicked, youths, or women, and they observed its etiquette like that of other acts of worship. Thus, it is permissible for them specifically. As for what the people of our time practice—preparing gatherings where they indulge in drinking, debauchery, assembling the wicked and youths, hiring singers and groups, listening to their singing, and taking pleasure in base desires and satanic fancies, rewarding singers with great wealth and thanking them with abundant favors—there is no doubt that this is a grave sin, and deeming it lawful is clear disbelief. This is the very “idle talk” in their case, unlike the case of the true saints, for with them, it is not idle talk but a means to elevate their ranks and attain their perfections. Perhaps Allah’s mention of “idle talk” rather than “singing,” along with the use of the partial “min” and the purposive “lam,” points to this distinction. Therefore, it is not appropriate to issue a fatwa permitting it for the “worthy” in our time, as the corruption of the age has reached a point where everyone claims to be worthy. Rather, we say it is permissible for the worthy only when it comes from the great and noble saints, lest they be accused of committing sins, which Allah forbid. Yet, most saints did not engage in this and did not approve of it. It is authentically reported that Al-Junayd (may Allah have mercy on him) repented from listening in his time, despite his knowledge and state. So what of others? The best course is avoidance to ward off suspicion and obstinacy. At most, if one’s intention is pure and he listens or sings with a melody to dispel loneliness, he is not reproached in what is between him and Allah, the Exalted. This is our conclusion, free from bias or extremism, and Allah knows best. This is all from At-Tafsir Al-Ahmadiyya.

Chapter-heading commentary

قوله

(۱) قوله: ومن الناس من يشتري لهوا الحديث إلخ فيها مسألة حرمة التغني، اعلم أن مسائل الغناء أكبر المسائل المختلف فيها، وقد تعارضت الآيات والأحاديث الدالة على إباحته وحرمته، وكثرت فيه أقاويل العلماء وآراء الصلحاء، ونحن نسمعك أولا الحجج المتعارضة، ثم نذكر ما هو الحق الحقيق، فنقول: من الآيات الدالة على حرمته الآية المذكورة، وإنها نزلت في النضر بن الحارث اشترى كتب الأعاجم، وكان يحدث بها قريشا، ويقول: إن كان محمد يحدثكم بحديث عاد وثمود فأنا أحدثكم بحديث رستم وأسفنديار والأكاسرة. وقيل: كان يشتري الفتيات المغنيات ويحملُهُنَّ على مُعاشرة من أراد الإسلام، ويقول: هذا خير مما يدعوك إليه محمد، هكذا في «الكشاف» و «البيضاوي». وفي رواية الإمام الزاهد أيضًا أنها نزلت في الوليد بن المغيرة ويشتري إما بمعنى الشراء كما علمت أو بمعنى الاختيار، و«الحديث» إن كان هو الحديث المنكر فإضافة اللهو إليه بيانية، وإن كان أعم منه فالإضافة بمعنى «من» التبعيضية، ويضل» قُرِئَ بالضم والفتح بمعنى المضل والضال جميعًا، وكذا يتخذ» قُرِئَ منصوبا عطفا على «يضل». ومرفوعا عطفا على يشتري». وإنما قلنا: إنه يدل على حرمة الغناء؛ لأن الله تعالى قد ذم من يشتغل بلهو الحديث، وأوعده بالعذاب المهين ولهو الحديث وإن كان ظاهره عاما في كل ما يلهي عما يعني، كالأحاديث التي لا أصل لها، والأساطير التي لا اعتبار لها، والمضاحيك وفضول الكلام على ما هو رأي أكثر المفسرين، ويوافقه الرواية الأولى من النزول إلا أنه قد ذكر في الفتاوى الحمادية وكذا في «العوارف وغيره أن ابن عباس وابن مسعود الله كانا يحلفان بالله إنا قد سمعنا عن رسول الله ﷺ أن المراد به التغني، ويوافقه الرواية الثانية من النزول، فيكون دليلا على حرمته، ومنها : ما ذكر في آخر سورة النجم، وهي قوله تعالى: ﴿ وَأَنْتُمْ سٰمِدُونَ (61)﴾ (النجم : ٦١) فإنه ذكر في «البيضاوي»: أن المراد به وأنتم مغنون. وفي «العوارف»: أن عبد الله بن عباس حلف أن المراد به التغني، ومنها ما ذكر في سورة بني إسرائيل هو قوله تعالى: ﴿وَاسْتَفْزِزْ مَنِ اسْتَطَعْتَ مِنْهُم بِصَوْتِكَ ﴾ (الإسراء : ٦٤)؛ فإنه أيضًا ذكر في الفتاوى الحمادية» و«العوارف» أنه قال مجاهد: إنها تدل على حرمه التغني، وذلك لأن قوله: ﴿وَاسْتَفْزِزْ﴾ خطاب لإبليس عليه اللعنة، ومعناه: وحرك من استطعت من بني آدم بصوتك، وهو صوت التغني والمزامير والدف وغير ذلك، فهذه الآيات الثلاث دالة على حرمته مطلقا، والأحاديث الصحاح المعتبرة الدالة على حرمته أكثر من أن يعد ويحصى، وأكثرها مذكور في «العوارف». وكتب الفتاوى مملوؤة من ذلك، منها ما ذكرته في آخر هذا الباب نقلا عن المشكاة». ومنها: ما نقل أنه لما مات ابن رسول الله له طاهر بكت عيناه، فقال عبد الرحمن بن عوف: أليس يا رسول الله قد نهيتنا عن البكاء؟ فقال: «إنما نهيتكم عن صوتتين فاجرين أحمقين: صوت النوحة وصوت الغناء . وقال رسول الله ﷺ : «كان إبليس أول من ناح وأول من تغنى . وقال رسول الله ﷺ : التغني حرام، والتلذذ بها كفر، والجلوس عليها فسق ومعصية». وقال النبي ﷺ: ما من رجل يرفع صوته بالغناء إلا بعث الله عليه شيطانين: أحدهما على هذا المنكب، والآخر على هذا المنكب، ولا يزالان يضربان بأرجلهما حتى يكون هو الذي يسكت». وهذه الحجج كلها دالة على حرمته مطلقا. ومن الحجج الدالة على إباحته ما ذكر في «العوارف»: فمن الآيات قوله تعالى: ﴿وَإِذَا سَمِعُوا مَا أُنزِلَ إِلَى الرَّسُولِ تَرَى أَعْيُنَهُمْ تَفِيضُ مِنَ الدَّمْعِ مِمَّا عَرَفُوا مِنَ الْحَقِّ (المائدة: (۸۳) وقوله تعالى: ﴿فَبَشِّرْ عِبَادِ الَّذِينَ يَسْتَمِعُونَ الْقَوْلَ فَيَتَّبِعُونَ أَحْسَنَهُ ﴾ (الزمر: (۱۷-۱۸) وقوله تعالى: ﴿تَقْشَعِرُّ مِنْهُ جُلُودُ الَّذِينَ يَخْشَوْنَ رَبَّهُمْ ثُمَّ تَلِينُ جُلُودُهُمْ وَقُلُوبُهُمْ إِلَى ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ ﴾ (الزمر: (۲۳)، فإن هذه الآيات دالة على استماع القول والبكاء فيه واقشعرار الجلد منه، ولا يخفى ضعفه. قال صاحب «العوارف»: وهذا جملة لا ينكر، ولا اختلاف فيها، وإنما الاختلاف في سماع الأشعار بالإلحان، وقد كثرت الأقوال في ذلك وتباينت الأحوال، ومن الأحاديث ما قال: أخبرنا الشيخ الطاهر بن أبي الفضل عن أبيه الحافظ المقدسي قال : أخبرنا أبو بكر القاسم الحسن بن محمد الخولاني قال: حدثنا أبو محمد عبد الله بن يوسف قال: حدثنا أبو بكر بن وثاب قال: حدثنا عمر بن الخطاب قال: حدثنا الأوزاعي عن الزهري عن عروة عن عائشة : أن أبا بكر دخل عليها، وعندها جاريتان تغنيان وتضربان بدفين ورسول الله الله مسجى بثوبه، فانتهرهما أبو بكر فكشف رسول الله ﷺ عن وجهه. وقال: «دعهما يا أبا بكر، فإنها أيام عيد». وفيه أيضًا: وروت عائشة قالت: كان عندي جارية تغني، فدخل رسول الله له وهي على حالها، ثم دخل عمر فَفَرَتْ، فضحك رسول الله ، فقال عمر : ما يُضحكك يا رسول الله ؟ فحدثه حديث الجارية، فقال: لا أبرححتى أسمع ما سمع رسول الله ، فأمرها رسول الله له فأسمعته، وفيه أيضًا قالت عائشة : رأيت رسول الله وسترني بردائه وأنا أنظر إلى الحبشة يلعبون في المسجد حتى أكون أنا أسأم، وفيه أيضًا قال: أخبرنا أبو زرعة طاهر عن والده أبي فضل الحافظ المقدسي قال: أخبرنا أبو منصور محمد بن عبد الملك الظفري السركسي، قال: أخبرنا أبو علي فضل بن منصور بن نصر الكاغذي السمرقندي إجازة قال: حدثنا الهيثم عن كليب، قال: حدثنا أبو بكر عمار بن إسحاق قال: قد حدثنا سعد بن عامر عن شعبة عن عبد العزيز بن صهيب عن أنس له قال: كنا عند رسول الله إذ نزل جبيريل ، فقال : يا رسول الله إن فقراء أمتك يدخلون الجنة قبل الأغنياء بنصف يوم وهو خمس مائة ففرح رسول الله ﷺ ، فقال : أفيكم من ينشدنا ؟ قال : بدوي، نعم، أنا يا رسول الله، قال: هات، فأنشد البدوي شعرا: قد لَسَعَتْ حَيَّةُ الْهَوَى كَبِدِي ....... إلا الحبيب الذي شُغِفْتُ به فلا طبيب لها ولا راق .................. فعنده رقيتي وترياقي فتواجد رسول الله ﷺ وتواجد الأصحاب معه حتى سقط رداءه عن منكبيه، فلما فرغوا آوى كل واحد منهم مكانه. قال معاوية بن أبي سفيان ما أحسن لعبكم يا رسول الله، فقال: يا معاية ليس بكريم من لم يهتز عند سماع ذكر الحبيب، ثم قسم ردائه رسول الله الله على من حاضرهم بأربع مائة قطعة. وهذا الحديث أوردناه مسندا كما سمعناه ووجدناه، وقد تكلم في صحته أصحاب الحديث، وما وجدنا شيئًا نقل عن رسول الله و يشاكل وجد أهل الزمان وسماعهم واجتماعهم إلا هذا، وما أحسن حجة الصوفية وأهل الزمان في سماعهم وتمزيقهم الخرق وقسمتها إن لو صح والله أعلم بذلك وتخالج سرى أنه غير صحيح، ولم أجد فيه ذوق اجتماع النبي ﷺ مع أصحابه يعتمدونه على ما بلغنا في هذا الحديث ويأبى القلب قبوله، والله أعلم وأحكم بذلك. هذه عبارة «العوارف بعينها، فهذه الححج كلها دالة على إباحته؛ إذ أدنى منازل فعل الرسول ﷺ وقوله أن يكون مباحا، فتعارضت الأخبار الدالة على إباحته وحرمته ظاهرا، والتاريخ مجهول، وإذا نظرت إلى ضابطتي الأصول يوجب حرمته، أحدهما: أنه إذا تعارض المبيح والمحرم كان العمل بالمحرم أولى ثانيهما: أنه إذا وقع التعارض بين السنتين وجب المصير إلى قول الصحابة .. وههنا قول الصحابة دال على حرمته مطلقا حيث قال عثمان : ما تغنيت ولا تمنيت ولا مسست ذكري بيميني منذ بايعت رسول الله ﷺ. وقال عبد الله بن مسعود الله: الغناء ينبت النفاق في القلب، وروي أن ابن عمر مر عليه قوم محرومون وفيهم رجل يتغنى، فقال: ألا لا سمع الله لكم، ثم ألا لا سمع الله لكم. والتابعون وتبعهم كانوا أيضًا قائلين حرمته، كما قال بعضهم: إياكم والغناء؛ فإنه يزيد الشهوة ويهدم المروءة، وإنه ينوب عن الخمر ويفعل السكر. وقال فضيل بن العياض : الغناء رقية الزناء، وعن الضحاك : الغناء مفسدة للقلب ومسخطة للرب. والأئمة الأربعة الكرام كانوا أيضًا ممن ينكرونه، وهكذا ذكر في «العوارف حيث قال: وقد نقل عن الشافعي أنه قال في كتاب القضاء الغناء لهو مكروه يشبه الباطل. وقال: من استكثر منه فهو سفيه ترد شهادته، وعند مالك إذا اشترى جارية فوجدها مغنة فله أن يردها بالعيب، وهكذا مذهب الإمام الأعظم أبي حنيفة أن سماع الغناء من الذنوب. وما أباحه إلا نفر قليل من الفقهاء، ومن أباحه من الفقهاء أيضًا لم ير إعلانه في المساجد والبقاع الشريفة هذ كلامه. وأيضًا قد اشتهر أن أبا حنيفة الله دعي يوما إلى الوليمة فوجد ثمة لعبا وغناء، وكان غير مقتدى حينئذ فصبر عليه، ولما سئل عنها بعد ذلك قال : ابتليت بهذا مرة فصبرت فقوله: «ابتليت دال على حرمته مطلقا؛ لأن الابتلاء إنما يكون بالمحرم، وهكذا اتفق على حرمته مطلقًا كثير من المجتهدين حتى بلغ أعدادهم إلى خمس أو اثنين وسبعين مجتهدا، جمعت أقوالهم كلها في رسالة، فمن أراد الإطلاع عليها فليرجع إليها. علماء الشريعة الغراء أكثرهم كانوا متفقين على مطلق الحرمة، ثم فرق فريق بوجه تطبيق، فذكر شيخ الشيوخ في «العوارف»: فأما الدف والشانة وإن كان في مذهب الشافعي فيها فسحة، فالأولى تركها، وأما غير ذلك فإن كان من القصائد في ذكر الجنة والنار والتشويق إلى دار القرار ووصف نِعَمِ الملك الجبار، وذكر العبادات والترغيب في الخيرات، فلا سبيل إلى الإنكار. ومن ذلك القبيل قصائد الغزاة والحجاج في وصف الغزو والحج مما يثير كَامِنُ العزم من الغازي وساكن الشوق من الحجاج، وأما ما كان فيه ذكر القدود والخدود ووصف النساء فلا يليق بأهل الديانات الاجتماع المثل ذلك، وأما ما كان من ذكر الهجر والوصال والقطيعة والقرب مما يقرب حمله على أمر الحق سبحانه وتعالى من تلون أحوال المريدين ودخول الآفات على الطالبين، فمن سمع ذلك وحدث عليه ندم على ما فات أو تجدد عنده عزم لما هو آت، فكيف ينكر سماعه. هذا كلامه، وذكر آخرون وجها آخر لتطبيقه، فجوزه بعضهم ومنهم الإمام الغزالي للأهل، وفسر الأهل بمن كان قلبه حيا ونفسه ميتا، ولا يكون صاحب الهواء، ولا يصرفه إلى خلاف الحق، واشترطوا أن يكون المغني أيضًا أهلا، ولا يكون نيته أخذ الأجرة، ولا الرياء والسمعة، ولا يحضر في المجلس غير الأهل وأمثاله، وعليه أكثر المتأخرين، وبه نأخذ ؛ لأنا شاهدنا أنه نشأ من قوم كانوا عارفين بالله ومحبين لرسول الله متبعين لشرائعه وأحكامه، وهم أهل كرامات ظاهرة وخوارق عادات باهرة، وكانوا معذورين لغلبة الحال ويستكثرون السماع للغناء، ويشوقون بها إلى تجليات الحق سبحانه وتعالى، وكانوا يحسبون ذلك عبادة أعظم وجها وأكبر، ولم يحضرهم حين السماع ذمي، ولا فاسق، ولا أمرد، ولا نسوة، ويقيمون آدابه كآداب سائر العبادات، فيحل لهم خاصة. وأما ما رسمه أهل زماننا من أنهم يهيئون المجالس، ويرتكبون فيها بالشرب والفواحش، ويجمعون الفساق والأمارد، ويطلبون الغنين والطوائف ويسمعون منهم الغناء، ويتلذذون بها كثير من الهواء النفسانية والخرافات الشيطانية، ويحمدون على المغنين بإعطاء النعم العظيم ويشكرون عليهم بالإحسان العميم، فلا شك أن ذلك ذنب كبير، واستحلاله كفر قطعا ويقينا؛ لأنه عين لهو الحديث في شأنهم بخلاف أولياء الحق؛ فإنه لم يبق حديث لهو في شأنهم، بل يكون ذلك وسيلة لرفع درجاتهم، ونيل كمالاتهم. ولعل في ذكره تعالى لهو الحديث دون التغني، وكذا في ذكر من التبعيضية ولام» الغاية إشارة إلى هذه التفرقة، ولهذا لا ينبغي أن يفتى بجوازه للأهل في زماننا؛ لأنه قد بلغ من فساد الزمان إلى حيث يدعي كل واحد أني أهله، بل إنما نقول بجوازه للأهل بعد أن صدر من الأجلاء العظام والأولياء الكرام؛ لئلا يلزم منهم ارتكاب الذنوب والآثام، وحاش الله من ذلك على أن أكثر الأولياء أيضًا لم يبتلوا بذلك ولم يحسنوه، وقد صح أن جنيدا لله تاب عن السماع في زمانه مع تلك المعرفة والحال، فما بال غيره، فالأولى هو الترك؛ دفعا للتهمة والعناد، غاية ما في الباب أنه إذا كانت نيته صالحة وسمع حينئذ أو يغني بنغمة؛ دفعا للوحشة لم يعاتب فيما بينه وبين الله تعالى. وهذا الذي جرى منا إنما جرى بقطع النظر عن شائبة التعصب والطغيان، ومن غير إفراط وتفريط، والله أعلم، هذا كله في التفسيرات الأحمدية».

Hadith 4597

Volume 4

English

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever learns eloquent speech to captivate 1 the hearts of men or people, Allah will not accept from him on the Day of Resurrection any excuse or justice.”
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Commentary and footnotes (2)

Note 1

His statement: ‘to captivate the hearts.’ If he intends for his speech and admonition to have an effect for the sake of Allah purely, there is no harm.

(1) His statement: to captivate the hearts of men, etc. In Badhl Al-Majhud, it is stated that Mawlana Muhammad Yahya, the deceased, wrote in At-Taqrir: “His statement: ‘to captivate the hearts.’ If he intends for his speech and admonition to have an effect for the sake of Allah purely, there is no harm.”

Note 1

قوله

(۱) قوله: ليسبي قلوب الرجال إلخ: قال في بذل المجهود: كتب مولانا محمد يحيى المرحوم في التقرير»: قوله: ليسبي به القلوب». فأما لو نوى فيه أن يؤثر كلامه ووعظه في سبيل الله خالصا فلا ضير.

Hadith 4598

Volume 4

English

Ibn Mas‘ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The pedants 1 are ruined,” saying it three times.
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Commentary and footnotes (2)

Note 1

(1) His statement: The pedants are ruined, meaning those who strain in eloquence or who speak loudly from their throats, or whose words are rejected in their mouths due to foolish speech. As stated in Al-Mirqat.

Note 1

قوله

(۱) قوله: هلك المتنطعون أي المتكلفون في الفصاحة أو المصوتون من قعر حلقومهم، والمردود لكلامهم في أفواههم رعونة في القول. كذا في «المرقاة».

Hadith 4599

Volume 4

English

Abu Tha‘labah Al-Khushani (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The most beloved of you to me and the closest to me on the Day of Resurrection are those with the best character. The most hated to me and the farthest from me are those with the worst character: the talkative 1, the verbose 2, and the arrogant 3.” [Narrated by Al-Bayhaqi in Shu‘ab Al-Iman] Narrated similarly by At-Tirmidhi from Jabir, who added: They said, “O Messenger of Allah, we know the talkative and the verbose, but who are the arrogant?” He said, “The haughty.”
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Commentary and footnotes (6)

Note 1

(1) His statement: the talkative, meaning those who speak excessively, pretentiously, and deviate from the truth. As stated in Al-Mirqat.

Note 2

(2) His statement: the verbose, meaning those who expand in speech without caution or restraint. As stated in Al-Mirqat.

Note 3

(3) His statement: the haughty, meaning those who display pride and grandeur in their words and actions. Improving speech for sermons and admonitions is not blameworthy if it avoids excess and exaggeration, as its purpose is to stir hearts toward obedience to Allah, the Exalted, and eloquent speech has a clear effect in this. As stated in Al-Mirqat.

Note 1

قوله

(۱) قوله: الثرثارون هم الذين يكثرون الكلام تكلفا وخروجا عن الحق. كذا في «المرقاة».

Note 2

قوله

(۲) قوله : المتشدقون : أي المتوسعون في الكلام من غير احتياط واحتراز. كذا في «المرقاة».

Note 3

قوله

(۳) قوله: المتكبرون: أي المظهرون للكبرياء والعظمة في أقوالهم وأفعالهم، ولا يدخل في الذم تحسين القادر للخطب والمواعظ إذا لم يكن فيها إفراط وإغراب؛ لأن المقصود منها تهيج القلوب إلى طاعة الله تعالى ولحسن اللفظ في هذا أثر ظاهر. كذا في «المرقاة».

Hadith 4600

Volume 4

English

Sa‘d ibn Abi Waqqas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The Hour will not come until a people emerge who eat with their tongues as 1 cows eat with their tongues.”
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Mishkat (candidate) 4803

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Commentary and footnotes (2)

Note 1

(1) His statement: eat with their tongues, etc., meaning they make their tongues a means of their sustenance, like a cow that cannot distinguish between moist and thorny, sweet and bitter, but consumes everything with its tongue. Likewise, these people use their tongues as a means to their sustenance, not distinguishing between truth and falsehood, or lawful and unlawful. Acceptable speech is that which meets the need, aligns inwardly and outwardly, and conforms to the Sharia. As cited from Al-Mirqat.

Note 1

قوله

(۱) قوله: يأكلون بألسنتهم إلخ : أي يجعلون ألسنتهم وسائل أكلهم كالبقرة التي لا تستطيع أن تميز في رعيها بين الرطب والشوكة، وبين الحلو والمرّ، بل تَلِفٌ الكل بلسانها لفا، فكذلك هؤلاء الذين يتخذون ألسنتهم ذريعة إلى ماكلهم، لا يميزون بين الحق والباطل، ولا بين الحلال والحرام، فالمرضي من الكلام ما يكون قدر الحاجة يوافق ظاهره باطنه على منوال الشريعة ملتقط من المرقاة».

Hadith 4601

Volume 4

English

Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Allah hates the eloquent man who picks at his tongue as a cow picks at its tongue.”
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Hadith 4602

Volume 4

English

Amr ibn Al-‘As (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that one day a man stood and spoke at length 1, so Amr said, “If he had been concise in his speech, it would have been better for him. I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say, ‘I have seen, or been commanded, to be concise in speech, for conciseness is better.’”
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Commentary and footnotes (2)

Note 1

(1) His statement: spoke at length, meaning he prolonged his speech to display eloquence and rhetoric, causing boredom to the listeners. As stated in Al-Mirqat.

Note 1

قوله

(۱) قوله : فأكثر القول: أي طال الكلام إظهارا للفصاحة والبلاغة حتى حصل للسامعين الملالة. كذا في «المرقاة».

Hadith 4603

Volume 4

English

Abu Umamah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Modesty and restraint 1 are two branches of faith, while vulgarity and eloquence are two branches of hypocrisy.”
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Commentary and footnotes (2)

Note 1

(1) His statement: restraint, etc., refers to restraint due to reflection in speech and caution against harm, not due to a defect in the tongue. Eloquence refers to that which stems from audacity, heedlessness of transgression, and lack of caution against falsehood and slander. As stated in Al-Mirqat.

Note 1

قوله

(۱) قوله: العي إلخ المراد بالعي ما يكون بسبب التأمل في المقال والتحرز عن الوبال لا للخلل في اللسان، وبالبيان ما يكون سببه الاجتراء وعدم المبالاة بالطغيان والتحرز عن الزور والبهتان. كذا في «المرقاة».

Hadith 4604

Volume 4

English

Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrated that two men came from the East and delivered a speech, and the people marveled at their eloquence. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Some eloquence is indeed magic 1.”
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Commentary and footnotes (2)

Note 1

The most hated to me are the talkative and the pompous,

(1) His statement: Some eloquence is indeed magic. Scholars have differed in interpreting this Hadith. Some of Imam Malik’s followers said it is a condemnation of eloquence, which is why Malik included it in the chapter on disliked speech. They said it likens eloquence to magic, which is blameworthy and forbidden in all its forms, due to its pomposity and portrayal of falsehood as truth. It is said, “The most hated to me are the talkative and the pompous,” and a man may be on the truth but enchant people with his eloquence, leading them astray. Others said it is in praise of eloquence, citing that the people marveled at their speech, and marveling only occurs with what is good and pleasant to hear. They said likening it to magic is praise, as magic means captivation, and whoever captivates you has enchanted you. The best interpretation is that it neither condemns nor praises all eloquence, as the word “some” indicates partiality. The narrator was unsure whether he said, “Some eloquence” or “Some of some eloquence.” How could all eloquence be condemned when it is counted as a blessing upon His servants, as He said: He created man, taught him eloquence [Ar-Rahman: 3-4]. As stated in Umdat Al-Qari.

Note 1

قوله

(۱) قوله: إن من البيان لسحرا: اختلف العلماء في تأويل الحديث المذكور، فقال قوم من أصحاب مالك: إنه خرج على الذم للبيان، ولهذا مالك أدخله في باب ما يكره من الكلام. وقالوا: إنه الله شبه البيان بالسحر، والسحر مذموم محرم قليله وكثيره، وذلك لما في البيان من التفيهق وتصوير الباطل في صورة الحق، وقد قال : أبغضكم إلى الثرثارون المتفيهقون، ويقال: الرجل يكون على الحق فيسحر القوم ببيانه فيذهب بالحق. وقال آخرون: هو كلام خرج على مدح البيان، واستدلوا عليه بقوله في الحديث: فعجب الناس لبيانهما قالوا: والإعجاب لا يكون إلا بما يحسن ويطيب سماعه، قالوا: وتشبيهه بالسحر مدح؛ لأن معنى السحر الاستمالة، وكل من استمالك فقد سحرك، وكان أمير الناس بفضل البلاغة لبلاغته، فأعجبه ذلك القول واستحسنه، فلذلك شبهه بالسحر، ويقال: أحسن ما يقال في هذ الحديث إنه ليس بذم للبيان كله، ولا بمدح له كله، ألا ترى أن فيه كلمة «من» للبعيض، وقد شك المحدث أنه قال: إن من البيان أو أن من بعض البيان، وكيف يذم البيان كله، وقد عدوه نعمة على عبيده، فقال: ﴿خَلَقَ الْإِنسَانَ (3) عَلَّمَهُ الْبَيَانَ ﴾ (الرحمن : ٣-٤). قاله في «عمدة القاري».

Hadith 4605

Volume 4

English

Sakhr ibn Abdullah ibn Buraidah, from his father, from his grandfather (may Allah be pleased with him), narrated that he heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: “Some eloquence is magic, some knowledge is ignorance 1, some poetry is wisdom 2, and some speech is a burden.”
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Commentary and footnotes (4)

Note 1

(1) His statement: some knowledge is ignorance, meaning knowledge that is blameworthy, where ignorance of it is better, or knowledge of what does not concern one, making it ignorance of what does concern one in the end. It is said to refer to learning unnecessary sciences, like astrology or ancient philosophies, while neglecting what is needed for religion, such as the Qur’an and Sunnah. Such preoccupation prevents learning what is necessary, thus becoming ignorance. Al-Azraqi said it refers to not acting upon one’s knowledge, making the lack of action ignorance. As stated in Al-Mirqat.

Note 2

(2) His statement: some poetry is wisdom, meaning speech that carries a burden or weight upon the speaker or listener. As stated in Al-Mirqat.

Note 1

قوله

(۱) قوله: وإن من العلم جهلا : أي لكونه علما مذموما، والجهل به خير منه، أو لكونه علما بما لا يعنيه فيصير جهلا بما يعنيه في النهاية، قيل: هو أن يتعلم من العلوم ما لا يحتاج إليه كالنجوم وعلم الأوائل، ويدع ما يحتاج إليه في دينه من علم القرآن والسنة، فالاشتغال به يمنعه عن تعلم ما هو محتاج إليه، فيكون جهلا له. قال الأزهري: وقيل: هو أن لا يعمل بعلمه، فيكون ترك العمل بالعلم جهلا. كذا في «المرقاة».

Note 2

قوله

(۲) قوله: وإن من القول وبالا : أي ثقلا ووبالا عليك أو ثقلا على سامعك. كذا في «المرقاة».

Hadith 4606

Volume 4

English

Ubayy ibn Ka‘b (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Some poetry is wisdom 1.”
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Commentary and footnotes (2)

Note 1

some

(1) His statement: Some poetry is wisdom. The “some” indicates partiality. Ibn Battal said: Poetry or rhymed prose that mentions Allah, the Exalted, His glorification, His oneness, preference for His obedience, and submission to Him is good and encouraged. This is what is meant by wisdom in the Hadith. Poetry that contains lies or obscenity is blameworthy, as meant by the Hadith: “That a man’s stomach be filled with pus is better than it being filled with poetry.” As stated in Umdat Al-Qari.

Note 1

قوله

(۱) قوله: إن من الشعر حكمة فيه من تبعيضية، قال ابن بطال : ما كان في الشعر والرجز ذكر الله تعالى وتعظيمه ووحدانيته وإيثار طاعته والاستسلام له فهو حسن يرغب فيه، وهو المراد في الحديث بأنه حكمة، وما كان كذبا وفحشا فهو المذموم، وهو المراد في الحديث بأن يمتلئ جوف رجل قيحا خير له من أن يمتلئ شعرا. قاله في «عمدة القاري».

Hadith 4607

Volume 4

English

Ka‘b ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that he said to the Prophet (ﷺ), “Allah, the Exalted, has revealed about poetry what He has revealed.” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The believer strives with his sword and his tongue. By the One in Whose Hand is my soul, it is as if you strike them with it like a shower of arrows.” [Narrated in Sharh As-Sunnah] In Al-Isti‘ab by Ibn Abdul-Barr, he said, “O Messenger of Allah, what is your view on poetry?” He replied, “The believer strives with his sword and his tongue.”

Hadith 4608

Volume 4

English

Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Satirize the Quraysh 1, for it is harder on them than a shower of arrows.”
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Commentary and footnotes (2)

Note 1

Satirize the Quraysh, etc. An-Nawawi said

(1) His statement: Satirize the Quraysh, etc. An-Nawawi said: It is permissible to satirize disbelievers and harm them unless they have a covenant of safety, as Allah, the Exalted, has commanded jihad against them and harshness toward them to highlight their deficiencies and counter their satire of Muslims. However, initiating it is not permissible, as He said: And do not insult those they invoke other than Allah, lest they insult Allah in enmity without knowledge [Al-An‘am: 108]. As stated in Al-Mirqat.

Note 1

قوله

(۱) قوله: اهجرا قريشا إلخ قال النووي: فيه جواز هجو الكفار وأذاهم ما لم يكن لهم أمان؛ لأن الله تعالى قد أمر بالجهاد فيهم والإغلاظ عليهم؛ لأن في الإغلاظ بيانا لنقصهم والانتصار منهم لهجائهم المسلمين، ولا يجوز ابتداء؛ لقوله تعالى: ﴿وَلَا تَسُبُّواْ الَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ فَيَسُبُوا اللهَ عَدْوًا بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ (الأنعام: ۱۰۸). كذا في المرقاة».

Hadith 4609

Volume 4

English

Al-Bara’ (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that on the day of Qurayzah, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to Hassan ibn Thabit, “Satirize the polytheists, for Jibril is with you.” The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) also said to Hassan, “Defend me. O Allah, support him with the Holy Spirit.”
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Hadith 4610

Volume 4

English

Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that she heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say to Hassan, “The Holy Spirit continues to support you as long as you defend Allah and His Messenger.” She also said, “I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say, ‘Hassan satirized them, and he healed and was healed.’”
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Hadith 4611

Volume 4

English

Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would set up a pulpit for Hassan in the mosque, where he would stand, glorifying or defending the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Allah supports Hassan with the Holy Spirit as long as he defends or glorifies the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).”
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Commentary and footnotes (2)

Note 1

(1) His statement: set up a pulpit for Hassan in the mosque. In Radd Al-Muhtar, before the chapter on Witr and supererogatory prayers, it is stated that Imam At-Tahawi narrated in Sharh Majmu‘ Al-Athar that the Prophet (ﷺ) forbade reciting poetry in the mosque, selling goods there, or gathering in circles before prayer. He reconciled this with the narration of setting up a pulpit for Hassan to recite poetry by interpreting the former as referring to poetry like that used by the Quraysh to satirize, or anything harmful, or that which dominates the mosque, making it like a marketplace. For just as he did not forbid Ali from mending sandals in the mosque, though it would be disliked if people gathered to mend sandals there, so too with selling, reciting poetry, and gathering before prayer: what dominates is disliked, but what does not is not.

Note 1

قوله

(۱) قوله: يضع الحسان منبرا في المسجد وقال في رد المحتار» قبيل باب الوتر والنوافل: وقد أخرج الإمام الطحاوي في شرح مجمع الآثار»: أنه نهى أن تنشد الأشعار في المسجد، وأن تباع فيه السلع، وأن يتحلق فيه قبل الصلاة، ثم وفق بينه وبين ما ورد أنه وضع الحسان منبرا ينشد عليه الشعر بحمل الأول على ما كانت قريش تهجوه به ونحوه مما فيه ضررا، وعلى ما يغلب على المسجد حتى يكون كالسوق؛ لأنه لا لم ينه عليا عن خصف النعل فيه مع أنه لو اجتمع الناس لخصف النعال فيه كره، فكذلك البيع وإنشاد الشعر والتحلق قبل الصلاة، فما غلب عليه كره، وما لا فلا.

Hadith 4612

Volume 4

English

Abu Sa‘id Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: While we were traveling with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) at Al-‘Arj, a poet came reciting. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Seize the devil, or catch the devil. That a man’s stomach be filled with pus 1 is better for him than it being filled with poetry.”
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Commentary and footnotes (2)

Note 1

That a man’s stomach be filled with pus is better than it being filled with poetry.

(1) His statement: That a man’s stomach be filled with pus is better for him than it being filled with poetry. In Radd Al-Muhtar, at the beginning of the book before the section on the mufti, it is stated: Know that the disliked poetry is that which one persists in, making it a profession that dominates and distracts from the remembrance of Allah, the Exalted, and religious knowledge. This is how the agreed-upon Hadith is interpreted: “That a man’s stomach be filled with pus is better than it being filled with poetry.” A little of it is permissible if intended to display subtleties, finesse, excellent metaphors, and fitting meanings, even if describing cheeks and figures. Scholars of rhetoric have cited such poetry from later poets and others for this purpose. The erudite Ibn Al-Humam stated in the chapter on testimonies in Fath Al-Qadir that the forbidden poetry is that containing unlawful content, such as describing specific living men or women, wine that incites toward it, taverns, or satire of a Muslim or protected non-Muslim if intended as satire, but not if intended to demonstrate eloquence or rhetoric. As for innocent love poetry describing flowers, gardens, and waters, there is no basis for prohibiting it. However, if recited with musical instruments, it is forbidden, even if it contains admonitions or wisdom. In Adh-Dhakhirah from An-Nawazil, reciting literary poetry containing mention of immorality, wine, or youths is disliked, with the same ruling for youths as for specific living women. If the person is deceased, it is not disliked.

Note 1

قوله

(۱) قوله: لأن يمتلئ جوف رجل فيحا خير له من أن يمتلئ شعرا : قال في رد المحتار في صدر الكتاب قبل رسم المفتي: اعلم أن المكروه من الشعر ما داوم عليه وجعله صناعة له حتى غلب عليه واشغله عن ذكر الله تعالى، وعن العلوم الشرعية، وبه فسر الحديث المتفق عليه، وهو قوله : «لأن يمتلئ جوف أحدكم قيحا خير من أن يمتلئ شعرا». فاليسير من ذلك لا بأس به إذا قصد به إظهار النكات واللطافات والتشابيه الفائقة والمعاني الائقة، وإن في وصف الخدود والقدود، فإن علماء البديع قد استشهدوا من ذلك بأشعار المولدين وغيرهم لهذا القصد، وقد ذكر المحقق ابن الهمام في شهادات فتح القدير: أن المحرم منه ما كان في اللفظ ما لا يحل كصفة الذكور والمرأة المعينة الحية، ووصف الخمر المهيج إليها، والحانات والهجاء لمسلم أو ذمي، إذا أراد المتكلم هجاءه، لا إذا أراد إنشاد الشعر للاستشهاد به، أو ليعلم فصاحته وبلاغته. وأما الزهريات المجردة عن ذلك المتضمنة وصف الرياحين والأزهار والمياه فلا وجه لمنعه. نعم، إذا قيل على الملاهي امتنع، وإن كان مواعظ وحكما. وفي الذخيرة» عن «النوازل»: قراءة شعر الأدب إذا كان فيه ذكر الفسق والخمر والغلام يكره، والاعتماد في الغلام على ما ذكرنا في المرأة أي من أنها إن كانت معينة حية يكره، وإن كانت ميتة فلا.

Hadith 4613

Volume 4

English

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “That a man’s stomach be filled with pus is better for him than it being filled with poetry.”
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Hadith 4614

Volume 4

English

Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that poetry was mentioned in the presence of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and he said: “It is speech 1; its good is good, and its bad is bad.” [Narrated by Ad-Daraqutni] Narrated by Ash-Shafi‘i from ‘Urwah as a mursal report.
Commentary and footnotes (2)

Note 1

It is speech; its good is good, and its bad is bad,

(1) His statement: It is speech; its good is good, and its bad is bad. In Radd Al-Muhtar, before the chapter on Witr and supererogatory prayers, it is stated in Ad-Diya’ Al-Ma‘nawi, the twentieth affliction of the tongue is poetry. When asked about it, he said, “It is speech; its good is good, and its bad is bad,” meaning poetry is like prose: praised when praiseworthy and condemned when blameworthy. There is no harm in listening to the chanting of Bedouin poetry without melody. Satirizing a Muslim is forbidden, even if true, as he said, “That a man’s stomach be filled with pus is better than it being filled with poetry.” Poetry containing admonitions, wisdom, mention of Allah’s blessings, or descriptions of the righteous is good. Poetry about ruins, times, or nations is permissible. Poetry involving satire or vulgarity is forbidden, and poetry describing cheeks, figures, or hair is disliked. Thus, Abu Al-Laith As-Samarqandi detailed it. Excessive recitation or composition of poetry, especially when it distracts from important matters or becomes a source of income, diminishes one’s integrity and invalidates one’s testimony.

Note 1

قوله هو كلام فحسنه حسن وقبيحه قبيح وقال في رد المحتار قبيل باب الوتر والنوافل

(۱) قوله هو كلام فحسنه حسن وقبيحه قبيح وقال في رد المحتار قبيل باب الوتر والنوافل: قال في الضياء المعنوي العشرون أي من آفات اللسان الشعر ، سئل عنه ، فقال : كلام حسنه حسن وقبيحه قبيح، ومعناه إن الشعر كالنثر يحمد حين يحمد ويذم حين يذم، ولا بأس باستماع نشيد الأعراب، وهو إنشاد الشعر من غير لحن، ويحرم هجو مسلم، ولو بما فيه ، قال : لأن يمتلئ جوف أحدكم قيحا خير له من أن يمتلئ شعرا، فما كان منه في الوعظ والحكم وذكر نعم الله تعالى وصفة المتقين فهو حسن، وما كان من ذكر الإطلال والأزمان والأمم فمباحوما كان من هجو وسخف فحرام، وما كان من وصف الخدود والقدود والشعور فمكروه، كذا فصله أبو الليث السمرقندي، ومن كثرة إنشاده وإنشاءه حين تنزل به مهماته ويجعله مكسبة له تنقص مروءته وترد شهادته.

Hadith 4615

Volume 4

English

Amr ibn Ash-Sharid, from his father (may Allah be pleased with him), narrated: I rode behind the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) one day, and he said, “Do you have any poetry of Umayyah ibn Abi As-Salt?” I said, “Yes.” He said, “Go ahead.” So I recited 1 a verse, and he said, “Go on.” I recited another, and he said, “Go on,” until I recited a hundred verses.
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Commentary and footnotes (2)

Note 1

(1) His statement: So, I recited a verse, etc., indicates the desirability of reciting praiseworthy poetry containing wisdom. As stated in Al-Mirqat.

Note 1

قوله

(۱) قوله: فأنشدته بيتا إلخ فيه استحباب إنشاد الشعر المحمود المشتمل على الحكمة. قاله في «المرقاة».

Hadith 4616

Volume 4

English

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The truest word spoken by a poet is the word of Labid: ‘Indeed, everything except Allah is vain.’”
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Hadith 4617

Volume 4

English

Jundub (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) was at one of the battles, and his finger bled, so he said: Are you but a finger that has bled … In the way of Allah, what you have met?
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Commentary and footnotes (2)

Note 1

(1) His statement: Are you but a finger that has bled, meaning the Prophet (ﷺ) said it naturally, without intending meter, as happens with many people. Poetry is intentionally metered and rhymed speech to distinguish it from what appears in the Qur’an or prophetic speech. As cited from Al-Mirqat.

Note 1

قوله

(۱) قوله: فقال: هل أنت إلا إصبع دميت : أي قال النبي ﷺ اتفاقا على مقتضى الطبع السليم السليقي من غير قصد إلى وزنه كما يقع لكثير من الناس، والشعر كلام مقفى موزون قصدا؛ ليخرج ما وقع في القرآن أو كلام النبوة. التقطته من المرقاة».

Hadith 4618

Volume 4

English

Al-Bara’ (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was carrying earth on the day of the Trench until his stomach was covered, saying: By Allah, without Allah, we would not be guided … Nor give charity, nor pray. So send down tranquility upon us … And make firm our feet if we meet. Indeed, the enemies have oppressed us … When they intended tribulation, we refused. He raised his voice, saying, “We refused, we refused.”
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Commentary and footnotes (2)

Note 1

By Allah, without Allah, we would not be guided. Al-Kirmani said

(1) His statement: By Allah, without Allah, we would not be guided. Al-Kirmani said: These are among the rajaz poems of Ibn Rawahah, recited during the digging of the Trench. (As stated in Umdat Al-Qari)

Note 1

قوله

(۱) قوله : والله لو الله ما اهتدينا: قال الكرماني: إنها من أراجيز ابن رواحة كان يقولها في حفر الخندق. قاله في «عمدة القاري».

Hadith 4619

Volume 4

English

Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Muhajirun and Ansar were digging the Trench and carrying earth, saying: We are those who pledged allegiance to Muhammad … For jihad as long as we remain forever. The Prophet (ﷺ) responded, saying: O Allah, there is no good but the good of the Hereafter … So forgive the Ansar and the Muhajirah.

Hadith 4620

Volume 4

English

Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) had a camel driver named Anjashah, who had a beautiful voice. The Prophet (ﷺ) said to him, “Gently, O Anjashah, do not break the glass vessels 1.” Qatadah said: He meant the delicate women.
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Commentary and footnotes (2)

Note 1

(1) His statement: Do not break the glass vessels, referring to women due to their fragility, grace, and delicate constitution. He instructed him to lower his beautiful voice lest it affect their hearts, given their weak resolve and susceptibility, like the fragility of glass. (As stated in Al-Mirqat)

Note 1

قوله

(۱) قوله : لا تكسر القوارير وهي الزجاجة، كنى بها عن النساء؛ لما فيهن من الرقة واللطافة وضعف البنية، أمره يغض من صوته الحسن خشية أن يقع من قلوبهن موقعا؛ لضعف عزائمهن وسرعة تأثرهن كسرعة الكسر إلى القوارير. كذا في «المرقاة».

Hadith 4621

Volume 4

English

Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Singing 1 breeds hypocrisy in the heart as water nurtures crops.”

[Narrated by Al-Bayhaqi in Shu‘ab Al-Iman]

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Commentary and footnotes (2)

Note 1

The sound of amusement and singing breeds hypocrisy in the heart as water nurtures plants.

(1) His statement: Singing breeds hypocrisy in the heart, etc. In Ad-Durr Al-Mukhtar, in the Book of Prohibitions and Permissions, it is stated in As-Siraj that all musical instruments are forbidden, and one may enter their gatherings without permission to stop the evil. Ibn Mas‘ud said, “The sound of amusement and singing breeds hypocrisy in the heart as water nurtures plants.” I say: In Al-Bazaziyyah, listening to the sound of musical instruments, like striking reeds, is forbidden, as it is said: “Listening to musical instruments is a sin, sitting for it is transgression, and taking pleasure in it is disbelief.” This refers to disbelief in the blessing, not gratitude, as the limbs are used contrary to their purpose. It is obligatory to avoid it so as not to hear, as he put his fingers in his ears upon hearing it. Arabic poetry containing immorality is disliked. This is either to emphasize the sin, as in Al-Ikhtiyar, or due to deeming it lawful, as in An-Nihayah. In Radd Al-Muhtar, it is said: The attribution to emphasizing the sin refers to calling it disbelief for exaggeration. The narration of him listening to poetry does not indicate the permissibility of singing and can be understood as referring to permissible poetry containing wisdom or admonition. The Hadith about his ecstasy is not authentic, and the discussion on singing was covered at the beginning of this chapter from At-Tafsir Al-Ahmadiyya, which is valuable in its field.

Note 1

قوله

(۱) قوله : الغناء ينبت النفاق في القلب إلخ : قال في الدر المختار» في كتاب الحظر والإباحة: وفي «السراج» أن الملاهي كلها حرام ويدخل عليهم بلا إذنهم لإنكار المنكر، قال ابن مسعود: صوت اللهو والغناء ينبت النفاق في القلب كما ينبت الماء النبات. قلت: وفي البزازية»: استماع صوت الملاهي كضرب قصب ونحوه حرام؛ لقوله : «استماع الملاهي معصية، والجلوس عليها فسق والتلذذ بها كفر. أي بالنغمة، فصرف الجوارح إلى غير ما خلق لأجله كفر بالنعمة لا شكر، فالواجب كل الواجب أن يجتنب كيلا يسمع ؛ لما روي أنه أدخل إصبعه في أذنه عند سماعه، وأشعار العرب لو فيها ذكر الفسق تكره انتهى، أو لتغليظ الذنب، كما في الاختيار أو للاستحلال، كما في «النهاية». وقال في رد المحتار: قوله أو لتغليظ الذنب عطف على قوله : أي بالنعمة، يعني إنما أطلق عليه لفظ الكفر تغليظا، وما نقل أنه سمع الشعر لم يدل على إباحة الغناء، ويجوز حمله على الشعر المباح المشتمل على الحكمة والوعظ، وحديث تواجده لم : لم يصح، وقد مر الكلام في التغني في صدر هذا الباب مستوفى، نقلا عن التفسيرات الأحمدية فليتطالع؛ فإنه نفيس في بابه.

Hadith 4622

Volume 4

English

Nafi‘ narrated that he was with Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) on a road when he heard a flute. He placed his fingers in his ears and moved to the other side of the road. After moving away, he said to me, “O Nafi‘, do you hear anything?” I said, “No.” He removed his fingers from his ears and said, “I was with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and he heard the sound of a flute and did as I did.” Nafi‘ said, “I was young at the time.”
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Mishkat (candidate) 4811

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