What is the Islamic ruling on poetry and poets?

Question:
Is poetry forbidden? Even though the argument of some people is that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) had a poet, who was Hassan ibn Thabit.

Answer:
This also requires detailed explanation. Poetry is, as al-Shafi'i (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "Its good is good, and its bad is bad." So poetry that supports the truth, upholds the truth, and demolishes falsehood and its people; this is required, this is prescribed, and it is what Hassan ibn Thabit (may Allah be pleased with him), Abdullah ibn Rawahah (may Allah be pleased with him), Sa'd ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him), and others of the poets who were in his time (peace and blessings be upon him) and after him used to do.
But if the poetry is in condemnation of the truth, and praise of lies and corruption, and calling to fornication and lewdness; then this is pure evil and not permissible.
So poetry differs according to its objectives and the intention of its author: If he intends truth and good, and the implication of his poetry indicates that; then there is no harm in that, and it is part of calling to good and calling to truth. And if his poetry calls to falsehood and corruption; it becomes blameworthy and must be prevented.