Hadith and Traditions

Reciting poetry in Islam—especially in mosques and during Ramadan—is generally discouraged unless it serves to defend the truth, remember God, and promote faith and righteous action. Poetry should embody truth and good character, and avoid promoting falsehood and deviation. The verses of Surah al-Shu‘ara show that misguided poets are distinguished by their followers’ misguidance, their words being at odds with their deeds, and their boastfulness. The exception is those who believe and do good works.

The hadith “Nine-tenths of provision is in trade” uses “trade” in a broad sense that includes production, industry and the pursuit of knowledge; it should not be restricted to buying and selling. The hadith highlights the importance of economic activity and avoiding idleness. Trade means putting capital to work for profit, and that capital may be financial, intellectual, scholarly, social, physical or technical. Industry and production are also important forms of trade.

According to narrations, when someone sends blessings upon the Noble Prophet (PBUH) once, the angels first send blessings upon them, then God bestows His blessing upon them, and finally all the beings in the heavens and the earth send blessings upon them. These blessings raise a person’s spiritual rank and protect them from divine punishment.

Imam Ali (AS) warned the ignorant and usurpers about knowledge they lacked the capacity to understand. This knowledge included divine mysteries and future events; revealing it to those unqualified to receive it could cause them anxiety and distress. By sharing this knowledge, he enlightened those who did not understand why he had exercised restraint.

The hidden knowledge mentioned in Sermon 5 of Nahj al-Balāgha refers to the particular, concealed knowledge of Imam Ali (AS)—knowledge that, if revealed, would make his listeners tremble. It includes the mysteries of the unseen realm, the inner reality of matters and events, and the interpretation of the Qur’an. Only a select few can grasp such knowledge; sharing it with the general public would cause distress and bewilderment.