Ibn Kathir Mentions The Prophet (s) Accepting Poetry in His Honor

In the time of the Prophet (s), it is well-known that poets came to him with all kinds of works praising him, writing about his campaigns and battles and about the Sahaba. This is proved by the numerous poems quoted in the Siras of Ibn Hisham, al-Waqidi, and others. The Prophet (s) was happy with good poetry. It is reported in Bukhari's "al-Adab al-Mufrad" that he said: "There is wisdom in poetry."

Ibn Kathir says in his "Mawlid," page 30: "The Prophet's (s) uncle al-'Abbas (r) composed poetry praising the birth of the Prophet (s), in which are found the following lines: `When you were born, the earth was shining, and the firmament barely contained your light, and we can pierce through, thanks to that radiance and light and path of guidance.'"

Ibn Kathir mentions the fact that according to the Sahaba, the Prophet (s) praised his own name and recited poetry about himself in the middle of the battle of Hunayn in order to encourage the Companions and frighten the enemies. That day he said (s): "Ana an-Nabee, laa kadhib Ana ibn `abd al-Muttalib" meaning: "I am the Prophet! This is no lie. I am the son of `Abd al-Muttalib!"

Ibn Qayyim mentions `Abdullah ibn Rawaha's long poem praising the Prophet (s) as the latter entered Mecca, after which, the Prophet (s) prayed for him. He prayed that Allah support Hassan, another poet, with the Holy Spirit as long as he would support the Prophet (s) with his poetry. Similarly the Prophet (s) rewarded Ka'b ibn Zubayr's poem of praise with a robe. Ibn Qayyim continues, "`A'isha always recited poems praising him and he was happy with her."