And that is the safer course, for the default ruling on the matter is that it is an innovation, and the turmoil it invites is never secure. He continued: “Organizing sittings whose purpose is to listen, sing, and dance to quatrains is an innovation—something denounced by al-Muṭṭalibī (al-Shāfiʿī), Mālik, al-Thawrī, Yazīd ibn Hārūn, Aḥmad ibn Ḥanbal, and Isḥāq. Following these imams is far worthier than following those who are unknown in matters of religion and hold no standing among the sincere.”

It has reached me that someone said to Bishr ibn al-Ḥārith, “Your companions have introduced a new practice called al-qasāʾid (odes).” He asked, “Like what?” The man replied, “Such as the verse:

Be patient, O soul, until …
you take up residence in the Abode of the Majestic.”

Bishr responded, “Fine—but where are the people who would truly listen to that?”