A Tip about Verifying Information

[Abu.Adam.Jameel]

Bismillah,

Shaykh, Dr. Rabee’ al-Madkhalee (1), may Allah preserve him, was asked:

Question:

Is exaggerating with regard to the principle of verification from the methodology of the hizbiyeen (2)? Those who have no desire to defend the sunnah and are not concerned with exposing the people of innovation. Those who try and desire to destroy the science of al-Jarh wa T’adeel (Criticism and Recommendation)?

Shaykh Rabee’, may Allah preserve him, replied:

Answer:

These are people upon falsehood. With their principle of 'verification,' they desire to falsify and reject the reports of the trustworthy. They also desire to falsify and reject the reports of the scholars and their rulings [of deviance] upon individuals.

[Accordingly], one realizes that their principle of ‘verification’ is a statement of truth in which they desire falsehood. It is similar to when the khawaarij said: ‘There is no judgment except Allah’s.’ So, Alee, may Allah be pleased with him, heard them and said: ‘This is a statement of truth by which they desire falsehood.’

Yes, verification is desired; however, is it verification of the reports of the trustworthy?! Verification is reserved for the reports of the disobedient; just as Allah, The Most High, said: “O you who believe! If a faasiq (liar, evil person) comes to you with any news, verify it...’ [Surah al-Hujuraat (49): 26].

This verse shows that verification is reserved for the reports of the disobedient. As for the trustworthy, then it is obligatory to accept their reports. It is possible that a trustworthy individual may forget sometimes, and it is possible that he may make a mistake. However, we do not make verifying what he says a constant principle to be applied to all speech that emanates from him.

You will find [that those who use the principle of ‘verification’] that even if a scholar writes a book in which he transmits the statements of the people of desires, [from their very own works], and then he criticizes them, they will say: ‘we must verify.’

So, those who are using this principle are liars and criminals. They are at war with the people of the sunnah. (3)

Translated by:
Abu Adam Jameel Finch
9th of Shawwaal, 1432/September 7, 2011
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(1) Shaykh Uthaymeen's Recommendation for Shaykh Rabee': http://www.salafitalk.net/st/viewmes...m=9&Topic=5433

(2) [TN]: Those who are concerned with preserving their party or group more than preserving the Book and the Sunnah.

(3) Ahmad Baazmool, Protection for the Salafee, pg. 282 (footnote #1)