Permissibility of Martial Play and Decent Poetry on the Day of Eid
Written by: Imran Ayyub Lahori
➊ It is authentically reported that on the day of Eid, some Abyssinian men were performing martial displays using shields and spears inside the mosque in the presence of the Prophet ﷺ.
[Bukhari: 950, Book of Eidain: Chapter on Spears and Shields on the Day of Eid]
➋ On the day of Eid, two young Ansari girls were reciting poetic verses in the house of ʿĀʾishah (رضي الله عنها) about the Battle of Buʿāth. When Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه) tried to stop them, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
يا أبا بكر إن لكل قوم عيد وهذا عيدنا
"O Abu Bakr! Every nation has its festival, and today is our Eid."
[Bukhari: 952, Book of Eidain: Chapter on the Eid Sunnah for the People of Islam]
❖ The martial performance on Eid is a Sunnah-based permissibility, reflecting physical preparedness and cultural expression within Islamic bounds.
❖ Poetry that is free from vulgarity or indecency and contains historical or communal themes is permissible, especially during festivals like Eid.
❖ The Prophet ﷺ endorsed such practices as part of Eid celebrations, affirming the balance between spirituality and communal joy in Islam.
Written by: Imran Ayyub Lahori
✦ Engaging in Martial Displays on Eid
➊ It is authentically reported that on the day of Eid, some Abyssinian men were performing martial displays using shields and spears inside the mosque in the presence of the Prophet ﷺ.
[Bukhari: 950, Book of Eidain: Chapter on Spears and Shields on the Day of Eid]✦ Permissible Poetry on the Day of Eid
➋ On the day of Eid, two young Ansari girls were reciting poetic verses in the house of ʿĀʾishah (رضي الله عنها) about the Battle of Buʿāth. When Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه) tried to stop them, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
يا أبا بكر إن لكل قوم عيد وهذا عيدنا
"O Abu Bakr! Every nation has its festival, and today is our Eid."
[Bukhari: 952, Book of Eidain: Chapter on the Eid Sunnah for the People of Islam]✦ Key Takeaways
❖ The martial performance on Eid is a Sunnah-based permissibility, reflecting physical preparedness and cultural expression within Islamic bounds.
❖ Poetry that is free from vulgarity or indecency and contains historical or communal themes is permissible, especially during festivals like Eid.
❖ The Prophet ﷺ endorsed such practices as part of Eid celebrations, affirming the balance between spirituality and communal joy in Islam.
