Narrated to us Al-Hasan b. Abdullah b. Sa'eed, who said: Narrated to us Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Muhammad ibn Al-Hajjaj the just, who said: Narrated to us Ahmad ibn Muhammad Al-Nahwi, who said: Narrated to us Shu'ayb ibn Waqid, who said: Narrated to us Salih ibn Al-Salt, from Abdullah ibn Zuhayr, who said:

Al-Ala' ibn Al-Hadrami visited the Prophet ﷺ and said, "O Messenger of Allah, I have family members whom I treat kindly, but they mistreat me, and I maintain ties with them, but they sever ties with me." The Messenger of Allah ﷺ replied, ""Repel [evil] with that which is better; then indeed, the one between whom and you there is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend (Qur'an 41:34). But none is granted it except those who are patient, and none is granted it except one having a great portion [of good] (41:35)." Al-Ala' ibn Al-Hadrami then said, "I have composed poetry better than this." The Prophet ﷺ asked, "What did you say?" So he recited: “When animosity prevails, offer a warm greeting to keep their hearts restrained. If they lean towards peace, then repay with the same, but if they withhold conversation from you, do not inquire. For what harms you is what you hear, and those who speak behind your back have not truly spoken” The Prophet ﷺ said, "Indeed, there is wisdom in poetry, and indeed, there is enchantment in speech. Your poetry is beautiful, but the Book of Allah is more beautiful."