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: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar