Does teaching female students how to compose and write poetry, describe nature, and address general topics—while fearing that this might lead to the teacher sharing in their future sins based on the Almighty’s saying, "And as for the poets, only those who are astray follow them" (Quran 26:224)—constitute a sin for the teacher?
The predecessors used to send their children at a young age to the desert (badia) to accustom them to hardship and noble character, and to learn classical Arabic from its original source. There is no impediment to utilizing school activities to teach young children Arabic—writing, speaking, grammar, rhetoric, and poetry—provided the teachers guide them well. The Arabs used to send their children to the desert to learn pure Arabic, because the people of the desert held firm to their language, unlike the city dwellers. Learning Arabic is a way to understand the Quran, the Sunnah, and the words of the scholars. Sheikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah believed that accustoming oneself to speaking Arabic facilitates the understanding of the Book, the Sunnah, and the words of the Salaf (predecessors), and positively impacts the intellect, character, and religion, resembling the early generations of the Ummah. Moreover, the Arabic language itself is part of the religion, and knowing it is an obligatory duty for understanding the Book and the Sunnah. When teaching poetry, it must be Islamic poetry that instills in the learner morals, eloquence, and rhetoric. It is cautioned against lewd and غزَل (flirtatious) poetry. It encourages supporting the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, loving him, and urging people towards good morals.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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