#LIFE_LESSONS

When Can You Vouch for Someone It has been authentically reported by Al-Bayhaqī (10/125) that ʿUmar ibn Al-Khaṭṭāb (may Allāh be pleased with him) was once approached by a man who testified before him. ʿUmar said to him: “I do not know you, and it does not harm you that I do not know you. Bring someone who knows you [to vouch for you].” So a man from among the people said: “I know him.” ʿUmar asked, “In what way do you know him?” He replied, “By his uprightness and virtue.” ʿUmar said, “Is he your nearest neighbour, such that you know his coming and going, his night and his day?” The man replied, “No.” ʿUmar asked, “Have you dealt with him in matters of dinars and dirhams, by which a man’s piety is tested?” He said, “No.” ʿUmar asked, “Have you accompanied him on a journey, by which a man’s noble character becomes evident?” He said, “No.” ʿUmar then said, “Then you do not truly know him. Bring someone who does.” [Reported by al-Bayhaqī, 761480; authenticated by Al-ʿAllāmah Al-Albānī in Irwāʾ Al-Ghalīl*, 8/260, no. 2637] This Athar mentions three means by which a person’s true nature may be known: 1⃣. Travelling together: In earlier times, travel was arduous—people journeyed on camels, and travel lasted for long periods. In such circumstances, a person’s true character and inner disposition became apparent. In our time, this may not be the case unless the journey involves hardship or is prolonged. When one travels in comfort—first class flights, luxury hotels—he may not truly know his companion’s character. But when the journey involves difficulty or extends over a long period, then one’s true nature is revealed. 2⃣. Neighbourly relationship: Especially in the past, one’s neighbour knew him well—his habits, his coming and going, his public and private life. In our times, however, a neighbour may not truly know his neighbour; indeed, some people do not even know their neighbour's name due to weakened social ties and limited communication among neighbours. 3⃣. Financial dealings: This, in truth, is the real criterion—and it applies in every age. When one engages in financial transactions with another and finds him honest and trustworthy, this is a sign of his integrity, chastity, and uprightness. For a man may outwardly display piety and goodness, yet when money is involved—when dealing in dirhams and dinars—he may prove deceitful, unjust, or neglectful in fulfilling obligations. Thus, dealings in financial matters remain the most reliable test of character, valid in every time and place. One should not judge or commend a man’s virtue until he has dealt with him financially. Benefitted from Sheikh Sa’d Khathlān https://t.me/masjidsahabah/1209