Hadith #6607

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

It is not from justice to judge a reliable person by conjecture [instead of accepting his testimony].

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in our dealings with others, particularly when it comes to accepting the testimony of trustworthy individuals.

Let us first examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (justice) "عَدْلِ" refers to fairness, equity, and upholding what is right. The word (judgment) "قَضَاءُ" refers to making a decision or passing a verdict. The word (reliable person) "ثِّقَةِ" refers to someone who is trustworthy, honest, and has a good reputation. And finally, the word (conjecture) "ظَّنِّ" refers to forming an opinion or making a judgment based on assumptions or speculation.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6),

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of verifying information before passing judgment, as acting based on mere assumptions can lead to harm and regret.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:36), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse reminds us not to make judgments or decisions without proper knowledge and evidence, as we will be held accountable for our actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a practical application of these Quranic teachings. It highlights the importance of giving due consideration to the testimony of a reliable person, rather than relying solely on conjecture or assumptions. This principle is crucial in maintaining justice and fairness in our interactions and legal proceedings.

By accepting the testimony of a trustworthy individual, we uphold the principles of justice and ensure that the truth prevails. On the other hand, if we judge someone based on mere conjecture, we risk committing an injustice and causing harm to innocent individuals.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his deep knowledge and wisdom. His statement in this Hadith reflects his understanding of the importance of justice and the detrimental consequences of judging based on assumptions. He encourages us to be cautious and diligent in our judgments, reminding us that true justice lies in accepting the testimony of reliable individuals rather than relying on unfounded suspicions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of justice and fairness in our dealings with others. It reminds us to give due consideration to the testimony of trustworthy individuals and not to judge based on mere conjecture. By adhering to these principles, we uphold the values of justice and ensure that truth prevails in our society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to always act with justice and fairness in all aspects of our lives.