Having poets at the wedding night

Q: A habit that has spread widely amongst many tribes is bringing together some of the so called debate poets. People, in weddings for instance and some other occasions, invite two poets, each (Part No. 19; Page No. 130) from a different tribe, and give them a sum of money to entertain them during the whole night. Two rows of men are formed opposite to each other, each one of them for a poet, and men in each row repeat collectively and loudly what their poet says. Doing so involves clapping hands and dancing. Moreover, each poet prides himself on his noble descent and at the same time defames the other poet. Following are my questions:1- What is the ruling on hiring these types of poets and what is the ruling on this type of poetry?2- What is the ruling on dancing and clapping hands?3- What is the ruling on those who stand in the rows mentioned above and repeat what the poets say?4- What is the ruling on the poets defaming each other? What is the ruling on their poetry that involves defaming others' lineages and priding oneself on their noble descents?5- What is the ruling on visiting places in which this kind of poetry is recited?6- What is the ruling on staying awake at night with such poets until the approach of the time of Fajr (Dawn)?7- Some of these poets train young men to recite poetry and dance and take them to places where this kind of poetry is recited. What is the ruling on this?8- What is the ruling on accepting (Part No. 19; Page No. 131) invitations to attend occasions in which this type of poetry is said. May Allah reward you with the best.

A: All that you have mentioned are Haram (prohibited) acts and practicing them is impermissible. Moreover, it is impermissible to visit places in which such acts are practiced even if a person is invited to them unless their intention is to forbid and warn people against them. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.