There are reports on this subject from the early generations of this community and its imams that this is not the place to recount. Al-Hasan al-Basrī said, “Raising one’s voice in supplication is an innovation.” Ahmad ibn Hanbal and others also stated this explicitly. Qays ibn Ubād, one of the senior Successors and a companion of Ali, peace be upon him, from whom al-Hasan al-Basrī narrated, said, “They used to regard lowering the voice as desirable during remembrance, at funerals, and in battle.”

On these three occasions, people feel an urge toward intense agitation and raising their voices: during remembrance and supplication, because of their sweetness and the love of remembering Allah and supplicating to Him; at funerals, through grief and weeping; and in battle, through anger and zeal. Yet the harm of this outweighs its benefit. Indeed, it may be wholly harmful, even though the soul desires it, as in times of calamity.

For this reason, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“He is not one of us who slaps his cheeks, tears the neck of his garment, and cries out with the cries of the age of ignorance.”

The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, also disavowed the woman who wails, the woman who shaves her head, and the woman who tears her garments. The woman who wails is one who raises her voice in affliction.