Question
Can you provide a reference for this statement?
من عرّض نفسه للتهمة، فلا يلومن من أساء به الظن
Answer
Imam Abu Dawud, Imam Abu Bakr ibn Abid Dunya and Imam Ibn Hibban (rahimahumullah) have recorded this as the statement of Sayyiduna ‘Umar ibn Al Khattab (radiyallahu ‘anhu).
(Az Zuhd of Imam Abu Dawud, Hadith: 89, As Samt Wa Adabul Lisan, 752, Rawdatul ‘Uqala, pg. 90. Also see: Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 7992)
Translation
Whoever exposes himself/presents himself in places of suspicion should not blame those who harbour ill thoughts about him
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar