What is your opinion and comment on the book *Akhbar al-Humqa wa al-Mughallin* (News of the Fools and the Simpletons)?

Question:
I have looked into the book *Akhbar al-Humqa wa al-Mughallin*, attributed to Ibn al-Jawzi (may Allah have mercy on him), and I found in it a clear usurpation of the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). It mentions the usurpation regarding the beard, to the extent that it states that the longer the beard, the more it indicates stupidity and foolishness, according to its claim, along with other matters of mockery that there is no time to mention, which the author (may Allah have mercy on him) mentioned. In fact, these are fabricated against him. I hope you will note this book that has been inserted into the religion of the Muslims and remove it from the markets where it has become widespread.

Answer:
This book is famous. This is al-Jawzi’s book, *Akhbar al-Humqa wa al-Mughallin*, which is well-known. I have not come across it myself, but it is famous and known. It mentions the news of the fools and the jokes and oddities that occur from them, which indicate the deficiency and corruption of their minds, and likewise the simpletons, for the sake of lessons and admonition and to make light of them. However, their sayings are not a proof, because a simpleton, if he is a fool, has a weak mind and weak insight. Yet, things may occur from him that confirm the weakness of his mind and insight. There is no doubt that the words of some fools and some simpletons may lead to apostasy and cause one to fall into apostasy, if he had any reason. The point is that he intended lessons and admonition when he compiled it. But it must be reviewed, if Allah wills. It must be reviewed, if Allah wills. Yes.