A Hadith of Sahih Muslim quoted in Mishkat states that a person was reciting poetry and Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) called him a Shaytan.
Can you mention the exact reference and what was the reason for Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) calling him that?
Answer
Imam Muslim (rahimahullah) has recorded this Hadith on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah and Sayyiduna Abu Sa’id Al Khudri (radiyallahu ‘anhuma).
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2257-2258-2259)
Some scholars were of the opinion that this person was reciting defamatory poetry. Therefore Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) referred to him as ‘Shaytan’.
‘Allamah Nawawi (rahimahullah) also states that it is possible he was a kafir or that his poems were reprehensible.
In the event that this person was merely occupied in reciting poetry [which was not necessarily defamatory], the Hadith would be understood as a stern caution against being so engrossed in poetry that a person neglects other compulsory deeds.
(Sahih Muslim with Al Minhaj, Hadith: 5853, Takmilah Fathul Mulhim, Hadith: 5847)
Also see here.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar