Who was the first poet of Islam?

Hazrat Hassan Bin Thabit (RA) is recognized as the first poet of Islam. He was a companion of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and belonged to the Quraysh tribe of Makkah. Even before embracing Islam, Hassan Bin Thabit was known for his poetic talent. After accepting Islam, he dedicated his poetry to defending the Prophet ﷺ and spreading the message of Islam. His poetry was not just artistic expression; it served as a means of moral encouragement, warning opponents, and praising the virtues of the Prophet ﷺ.

Hassan Bin Thabit (RA) composed poetry that addressed social, political, and religious issues of his time. His poems defended Islam against ridicule from the Quraysh, who were hostile to the new faith. He praised the courage, honesty, and spiritual stature of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, encouraging the Muslim community to remain steadfast in their beliefs. Many of his poems are recorded in Islamic history and serve as a primary source of early Islamic literature.

He earned the title “The Poet of the Prophet” because the Prophet ﷺ valued his contributions and often instructed him to continue composing poetry to defend Islam. Hassan Bin Thabit (RA)’s work exemplifies how literature and art can be effectively used for religious and social purposes. His poetry also played a role in strengthening the morale of Muslims during wars and in communicating Islamic teachings to both allies and opponents.