Written by: Maulana Abu Al-Hasan Mubashir Ahmad Rabbani (Hafizahullah)
Question:
What is the legal status of praising the Holy Prophet (PBUH)?
Answer:
The term "Naat" refers to the act of describing and praising. In our context, "Naat" is specifically used for the praise and glorification of the Prophet of Mercy (PBUH). There is no harm in reciting Naat in praise of the Prophet (PBUH). In fact, it is an act that brings reward and merit, provided that it does not involve elements of shirk (associating partners with Allah), as the Prophet (PBUH) himself instructed:
"Do not exaggerate in praising me as the Christians exaggerated in praising the son of Mary (Jesus). I am only His servant, so say: (He is) Allah’s servant and His Messenger."
[Sahih Bukhari, Book of the Prophets, Chapter: The Saying of Allah: And mention in the Book (the story of) Mary: 3445]
This hadith proves that non-polytheistic Naat and other poems are permissible. For example, Sayyiduna Hassan bin Thabit (RA) used to recite poems under the Prophet’s command in which he satirized the disbelievers. The Prophet (PBUH) said to him, "Satirize them (the disbelievers), for Jibreel (AS) is with you."
[Sahih Bukhari, Book of the Beginning of Creation, Chapter: Mention of the Angels: 3213]
Some people misinterpret the following verses of the Quran to argue that reciting poetry and the like is impermissible:
"As for the poets, the misguided follow them. Do you not see that they wander distractedly in every valley and they say what they do not do."
[Surah Ash-Shu'ara: 224-226]
In these verses, the condemnation is for those poets who, instead of adhering to principles and rules, express their personal opinions driven by likes and dislikes, indulging in exaggeration and wandering aimlessly in poetic thoughts. Regarding such poetry, the Prophet (PBUH) also said in a hadith narrated by Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (RA):
"It is better for a man to fill his belly with pus that would ruin him than to fill it with poetry."
[Sahih Muslim, Book of Poetry, Chapter: The Prohibition of Excessive Poetry and Praise: 5893]
However, in the verse immediately following the ones mentioned above, an exception is made for poets whose poetry is based on truth and facts. The exception is made with words that clearly indicate that a poet who is faithful, performs righteous deeds, and frequently engages in the remembrance of Allah cannot engage in false, misleading, or fanciful poetry. See:
[Surah Ash-Shu'ara: 227]
Thus, there is no harm in reciting poetry and Naat that are free from elements of shirk and falsehood.
Question:
What is the legal status of praising the Holy Prophet (PBUH)?
Answer:
The term "Naat" refers to the act of describing and praising. In our context, "Naat" is specifically used for the praise and glorification of the Prophet of Mercy (PBUH). There is no harm in reciting Naat in praise of the Prophet (PBUH). In fact, it is an act that brings reward and merit, provided that it does not involve elements of shirk (associating partners with Allah), as the Prophet (PBUH) himself instructed:
"Do not exaggerate in praising me as the Christians exaggerated in praising the son of Mary (Jesus). I am only His servant, so say: (He is) Allah’s servant and His Messenger."
[Sahih Bukhari, Book of the Prophets, Chapter: The Saying of Allah: And mention in the Book (the story of) Mary: 3445]
This hadith proves that non-polytheistic Naat and other poems are permissible. For example, Sayyiduna Hassan bin Thabit (RA) used to recite poems under the Prophet’s command in which he satirized the disbelievers. The Prophet (PBUH) said to him, "Satirize them (the disbelievers), for Jibreel (AS) is with you."
[Sahih Bukhari, Book of the Beginning of Creation, Chapter: Mention of the Angels: 3213]
Some people misinterpret the following verses of the Quran to argue that reciting poetry and the like is impermissible:
"As for the poets, the misguided follow them. Do you not see that they wander distractedly in every valley and they say what they do not do."
[Surah Ash-Shu'ara: 224-226]
In these verses, the condemnation is for those poets who, instead of adhering to principles and rules, express their personal opinions driven by likes and dislikes, indulging in exaggeration and wandering aimlessly in poetic thoughts. Regarding such poetry, the Prophet (PBUH) also said in a hadith narrated by Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (RA):
"It is better for a man to fill his belly with pus that would ruin him than to fill it with poetry."
[Sahih Muslim, Book of Poetry, Chapter: The Prohibition of Excessive Poetry and Praise: 5893]
However, in the verse immediately following the ones mentioned above, an exception is made for poets whose poetry is based on truth and facts. The exception is made with words that clearly indicate that a poet who is faithful, performs righteous deeds, and frequently engages in the remembrance of Allah cannot engage in false, misleading, or fanciful poetry. See:
[Surah Ash-Shu'ara: 227]
Thus, there is no harm in reciting poetry and Naat that are free from elements of shirk and falsehood.