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Text and translation
English translation
5388. 'Abdullâh bin Az-Zubair narrated that a group from Banu Tamim came to the Prophet ﷺ. Abû Bakr said: "Appoint Al-Qa'qâ' bin Ma'bad (as commander or governor)," and 'Umar said: "No, (appoint) Al-Aqra' bin Hâbis." They argued until they began to raise their voices, then the words were revealed: "O you who believe! Make not (a decision) in advance before Allâh and His Messenger..." until the end of the Verse: "And if they had patience till you could come out to them, it would have been better for them."[1] (Sahih)
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Commentary
1. This narration does not contain a manifest allusion to the theme of this Chapter. In other narrations, however, there is mention of the poetry of Aqra' bin Hâbis that he had recited vainglorious poetic verses before the Messenger of Allâh ﷺ, and Hassân bin Thâbit had given him a versified reply on behalf of the Prophet ﷺ.
2. The Noble Qur'ân and the Prophet's Traditions generally deprecate the poets, because they happen to be habitually accustomed to hyperbolic expressions; rather falsehood, flattery and arrogance. The Divine law considers these characteristics bad. Even otherwise, a ruler ought to be sober and dignified, and the professional poets happen to be bereft of these qualities. What is outwardly understood is that poets should not be given offices of leadership.
