The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came (to my apartment) while there were two girls with me singing the song of the Battle of Bu`ath. He lay down on the bed and turned away his face. Then came Abu Bakr and he scolded me and said: Oh! this musical instrument of the devil in the house of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)! The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) turned towards him and said: Leave them alone. And when he (the Holy Prophet) became unattentive, I hinted them and they went out, and it was the day of `Id and the black men were playing with shields and spears. (I do not remember) whether I asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) or whether he said to me if I desired to see (that sport). I said: Yes. I stood behind him with his face parallel to my face, and he said: O Banu Arfada, be busy (in your sports) till I was satiated. He said (to me): Is that enough? I said: Yes. Upon this he asked me to go.
Contextual Background
This narration from Aisha (RA) in Sahih Muslim 892e describes events occurring on Eid day, demonstrating the Prophet's ﷺ balanced approach to permissible recreation within Islamic boundaries.
Scholarly Commentary
The two girls' singing of the Battle of Bu'ath - a pre-Islamic Arab conflict - indicates allowance for innocent folk songs not containing immoral content. The Prophet's ﷺ initial turning away suggests neither explicit approval nor strong disapproval.
Abu Bakr's (RA) stern reaction reflects the caution of the Companions regarding anything potentially resembling forbidden music. The Prophet's ﷺ intervention "Leave them alone" establishes the permissibility of such innocent recreational activities on festive occasions.
The transition to watching Abyssinian performers with shields and spears shows the Prophet's ﷺ encouragement of wholesome public entertainment during Eid celebrations, fostering community joy within Islamic parameters.
Legal Rulings Derived
Classical scholars like Imam Nawawi conclude this hadith proves the permissibility of singing innocent songs and watching martial arts displays during Eid, provided they contain no obscenity or religious violation.
The incident demonstrates the Islamic principle of allowing recreational activities that don't contradict Shariah, particularly during festivals when such practices enhance communal happiness.
Scholars note the Prophet's ﷺ presence and prolonged watching indicates approval of such performances as legitimate Eid celebrations when free from forbidden elements.