Fath al-Rabbani

Benefits: … It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah radi Allahu anhu that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: “When you see someone buying or selling in the mosque, say: ‘May Allah not make your trade profitable.’” (Tirmidhi: 1321) The term ضَالَّۃ (daallah) applies to a lost item that is animate; for an inanimate lost item, the terms ضَائِع (daai’) and لَقِیْط (laqit) are used. Since the reason and cause are the same, it is not appropriate to announce any kind of lost item in the mosque. Poetry, as poetry, is not blameworthy; rather, it should be said that no speech, whether prose or poetry, is praiseworthy or blameworthy merely due to its form, but its goodness or badness depends on the meaning conveyed within it. Abdullah bin Amr radi Allahu anhu narrates that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: “Poetry is like speech; its good is like good speech, and its bad is like bad speech.” (Dar Qutni: 490, Al-Adab Al-Mufrad by Bukhari: 125, Al-Sahihah: 447) Sayyiduna Ubayy bin Ka’b radi Allahu anhu narrates that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: “Indeed, some poetry contains wisdom.” (Bukhari, Al-Sahihah: 2851)

It is established from the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam that he recited poetry, listened to poetry, and that the Companions recited poetry in his presence. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah radi Allahu anhu that Sayyiduna Hassan radi Allahu anhu was reciting poetry in the mosque, and Sayyiduna Umar radi Allahu anhu passed by and began to glare at him, but Sayyiduna Hassan responded: “I used to recite poetry here even when someone better than you (Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) was present.” (Sahih Muslim: 2485)

In summary, there is no harm in reciting poetry that contains good content; however, one should not make a habit of excessive poetry, as was the principle in the blessed life of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. Before the Friday prayer, all kinds of gatherings (halqah) are prohibited, whether they involve worldly conversation or scholarly lessons and teaching, as this will disrupt the rows and disturb those engaged in prayer and remembrance. Instead, one should engage in the acts of worship prescribed before the Friday sermon, such as prayer and the recommended remembrances (adhkar), and people should not be bound to any gathering before the prescribed sermon. When the sermon begins, attention should be given to it in silence.