Q
What is the significance of community testimony in determining a person’s piety in Islam?
A
I came to Medina when an epidemic had broken out. While I was sitting with `Umar bin Al-Khattab a
funeral procession passed by and the people praised the deceased. `Umar said, “It has been affirmed to
him.” And another funeral procession passed by and the people praised the deceased. `Umar said, “It
has been affirmed to him.” A third (funeral procession) passed by and the people spoke badly of the
deceased. He said, “It has been affirmed to him.” I (Abu Al-Aswad) asked, “O chief of the believers!
What has been affirmed?” He replied, “I said the same as the Prophet (ﷺ) had said, that is: if four persons
testify the piety of a Muslim, Allah will grant him Paradise.” We asked, “If three persons testify his
piety?” He (the Prophet) replied, “Even three.” Then we asked, “If two?” He replied, “Even two.” We
did not ask him regarding one witness.
funeral procession passed by and the people praised the deceased. `Umar said, “It has been affirmed to
him.” And another funeral procession passed by and the people praised the deceased. `Umar said, “It
has been affirmed to him.” A third (funeral procession) passed by and the people spoke badly of the
deceased. He said, “It has been affirmed to him.” I (Abu Al-Aswad) asked, “O chief of the believers!
What has been affirmed?” He replied, “I said the same as the Prophet (ﷺ) had said, that is: if four persons
testify the piety of a Muslim, Allah will grant him Paradise.” We asked, “If three persons testify his
piety?” He (the Prophet) replied, “Even three.” Then we asked, “If two?” He replied, “Even two.” We
did not ask him regarding one witness.
Referensi:
Sahih al-Bukhari 1368, Book 23, Hadith 120
Sahih al-Bukhari 1368, Book 23, Hadith 120
Leave a Reply