and—under the pretext of ecstatic rapture—melodic chanting is nothing but frivolous play and amusement.

Accordingly, it is forbidden for anyone to listen to the poetic odes and tuneful quatrains that circulate among the common folk under the name of dhikr, unless he already possesses sound knowledge of the rulings of tawḥīd (monotheism), is well-versed in Allah’s Names and Attributes, and understands what may and may not be ascribed to Him—exalted is He above every imperfection. Only then does his listening resemble the state described in the verse, “They listen to what is said and follow the best of it” (39:18).

Whoever is ignorant of these matters yet listens to such poetry as speech directed to Allah, without making the necessary distinctions, has undoubtedly fallen into unbelief. In short, gathering these verses and heeding them as words attributed to Allah is impermissible, save for the one who comprehends what I have outlined of Allah’s remembrance and favors, and of the attributes that belong to Him alone, in which no created being shares. Even for such a person, refraining from it is still preferable.