Tirmidhi Chapter 36 Hadith 239

Aisha radiyallahu anha says, Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam would place a mimbar (pulpit) in the Masjid for Hassaan ibn Thaabit, so that he stands upon it and recites poetry on the praises of, and on behalf of Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam, or said that he used to defend Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam (in reply to the accusation of the kuffar). Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam would say, ‘May Allah assist Hassaan with Ruhul Qudus till he defends, or praises, on behalf of Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam.

Commentary
Jihaad is observed at all times in different ways according to the time and circumstance. In the time of Sayyidina Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam one type of Jihaad was the tongue, by reciting poetry, etc. Replies were given and debates were held. Events of praise were composed. It was something like present day debates. Once a delegate from the Banu Tamim came with his poet Aqra. They requested a debate in composing poetry and reciting praises. Sayyidina Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam replied that I was not sent to compose poetry nor recite praises, but nevertheless, let the debate take place. First their speaker stood up. Sayyidina Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam requested Sayyidina Thaabit ibn Qays radiyallahu anhu to reply to their speaker. Thereafter their poet stood up. Sayyidina Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam asked Sayyidina Hassaan radiyallahu anhu to reply to him. In both debates the Muslims were victorious. Their poet was the first to accept Islam. Reciting poetry was common in those days and it was widely written. It also had a great effect on the people. This has been mentioned in the fifth hadith of this chapter. It is also stated in the Sahih Muslim from Sayyiditina Aisha radiyallahu anha that Sayyidina Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam said, Satire is more effective on the Quraish than showering arrows on them. It has been narrated in Mishkaat with Isti’aab that Sayyidina Ka’b radiyallahu anhu enquired from Sayyidina Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam regarding poetry. Sayyidina Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam replied, A Mu’min makes Jihaad with his sword, and also with his tongue. In another narration on this incident it is reported, that, I swear by Allah, this poetry hits them like an arrow.