Question

Where is the narration to the effect that a person was praised in the presence of ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhu) and he asked: ‘Did you do business or travel with that person?’

 

Answer

Kharashah ibnul Hurr (rahimahullah) reports that a man once testified in the presence of Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhu). Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhu) told him: ‘I do not know you, and that is not an issue. Bring someone who does know you.’ A man from the audience said: ‘I know him.’

‘What do you know about him?’ enquired Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhu). The man replied: ‘I know him to be reliable and virtuous.’

At this Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhu) asked him the following three questions:

a) Is he your close neighbour, whose day and night is known to you?

b) Did you deal with him in monetary affairs, which could give an idea of his piety?

c) Was he ever your companion in journey, from which you could have seen his character?

The man replied in the negative to each of these questions.

Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhu) said to him: ‘You do not know him.’

He then turned to the witness and said: ‘Bring someone who knows you,’

(Sunanul Kubra of Bayhaqi, vol. 10, pg. 125)

This narration has been declared as reliable by the Muhaddithun.

Refer: Kashful Khafa, Hadith: 1480 and Itqanu ma Yahsun, Hadith: 897

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,

Answered by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar