Title: Can a Muslim Sing a Song in the Praise of the Prophet (pbuh) Question: Can Muslim sing songs about the prophets or Islam? Like the book call " ISHQ-E-HABEEB " A BOOK OF ISLAMIC SONGS. Answer: In my opinion, there is nothing wrong in writing or reciting any verses in praise of the Prophet (pbuh), as poetry has traditionally been an effective means of expressing our emotions in an attractive way . However, there are two things in this respect, which should be dealt with very carefully. Firstly, these verses should not promote anything contrary to the real and basic teachings of Islam. For instance, I have personally observed that in many of such poetic verses, the Prophet (pbuh) is projected to be an advocate and far more merciful for his Ummah than even the Almighty. This idea is, obviously, not in keeping with the teachings of Islam. Likewise, in such poetic verses, sometimes the Prophet (pbuh) is projected to be far superior to all the other prophets of God. Once again, such a projection is not only beyond our jurisdiction - as such grading of prophets is the sole jurisdiction of God, Himself - but is also against the teachings of the Qur'an as well as sayings ascribed to the Prophet (pbuh). Secondly, another important aspect in the writing or the recitation of such poetical verses is that such an action should not be considered an act of worship or something similar in reward to an act of worship. Ascribing such a status to reciting such poetic verses or to participating in gatherings in which such verses are recited, not being authorized by the Prophet (pbuh) can only be considered a bid`ah - an innovation in the corpus of Islam - and, therefore, something to be refrained from. 26 th April 2000