Then Abū al-Qāsim said: “Know that listening to poetry set to pleasant melodies and delightful tunes is generally permissible, provided that the listener entertains nothing forbidden, that his listening involves nothing condemned by Islamic law, and that he is neither swept along by his desires nor caught up in idle amusement. There is no disagreement that poetry was recited before the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and that he listened without objecting to its recitation. If listening to it without pleasant melodies is permissible, the ruling does not change when it is heard with melodies. This is clear. Furthermore, whatever strengthens the listener’s desire to perform acts of obedience, reminds him of the lofty ranks Allah has prepared for His pious servants, encourages him to guard against lapses, and brings pure spiritual inspirations to his heart at that moment is recommended in religion and favored by Islamic law.”

He said: “The Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, uttered words resembling poetry, although he did not intend them as poetry.” He then cited the hadith recorded by both al-Bukhārī and Muslim, in which Anas ibn Mālik said: “The Ansār were digging the trench