the Sabians, who mixed elements of the upright monotheistic faith into their own religion. Before him, al-Fārābī was a leading authority in the art of musical sound and a great musician.

All of this bears out the statement of al-Shāfiʿī, may Allah be pleased with him. Allah willing, we shall discuss the two premises in a manner suited to what I have written here.

As for his argument that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, listened to poetry recited in his presence without objecting to it, and that he himself uttered words resembling poetry, the response is: poetry has an even greater standing than you have described. It is authentically reported that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“Indeed, some poetry contains wisdom.”