What is the ruling on an Imam frequently citing poetry in his Friday sermons?
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, praised poetry that supports Islam and refutes the slanders of the polytheists, and he censured those who occupy themselves with it to the exclusion of the Quran and religious knowledge. Scholars have differed regarding the ruling on reciting poetry during the Friday sermon. Some prohibited it due to the absence of evidence in the Sunnah, while others permitted it on condition that it is not excessive and that it is carefully selected. The preponderant opinion is the permissibility of quoting appropriate poetry in the Friday sermon, provided that the khatib (preacher) does not overuse it, that his choice of poetry stems from its eloquence and positive impact, and that he does not prioritize it over the texts of the two revelations (Quran and Sunnah).
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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