BENEFIT 515: Not Every Suspicion Is a Sin

Sheikh Ibn ʿUthaymeen, may Allāh have mercy on him, said: “Not every suspicion (dhann) is sinful. Suspicion based on strong indications, approaching certainty, is permissible. However, suspicion that arises merely from imagination or conjecture is not allowed. For example, if a man sees another man with a woman, and the man is known for his integrity and justice, it is not permissible for him to accuse that man of wrongdoing toward the woman. Such a suspicion falls into the category of sinful conjecture. On the other hand, if the suspicion has a legitimate basis under Shari'ah, there is no harm, and it is permissible to entertain it. Scholars have stated: It is forbidden to suspect a Muslim of wrongdoing when he is known for justice.” [Fatāwa Islāmiyyah, 4/537]