What is the meaning of the Hadith warning against filling oneself with poetry?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Testimonies
Primary text
The Hadith stating that having one's belly filled with putrefied matter until it consumes him is better than having it filled with poetry, as narrated by Abu Dawud and Abu 'Ubayd, means that poetry should not overwhelmingly preoccupy a person to the extent that it distracts him from the Quran and jurisprudence (Fiqh).
Supporting text
Alternatively, it is understood to refer specifically to poetry that involves slander (Hija'), obscenity, inciting hatred against Muslims, inappropriately detailing a specific woman's charms (Tashbib), or false praise of disbelievers. Such types of poetry are considered forbidden for the poet, though not necessarily for the narrator of such content, as battlefield narratives often include poetry recited by the enemy.