Is reading the elegy for Yazid ibn Akhi Ma'n ibn Za'idah, which begins with "Is it true that Yazid passed away, O renowned eulogizer, clarify," entail a Shariah prohibition?
A number of scholars and literary figures mentioned this elegy, which I found commendable, though it is not without exaggerations. It contains an incitement to slap cheeks, which is a religiously forbidden act, prohibited by the Sunnah, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "He is not one of us who slaps cheeks, tears garments, and calls with the call of the days of ignorance." Ibn al-Athir transmitted this elegy in "Al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh" and affirmed its quality. In it, the poet Abu Muhammad al-Tamimi mourns Yazid ibn Mazid al-Shaybani, mentioning his generosity and benevolence. He inquires about the state of Islam after his death, laments him, asks about weeping over him, and incites the slapping of cheeks. A poet weeps over him, describing him as one who protected Islam. It concludes by stating that Al-Rashid would weep when he heard this elegy and found it excellent.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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