Is testimony accepted based on the certification of a person's character and religion?
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The questioner : Now, regarding the acceptance of judges of the testimony of witnesses: if a person is upright in his character and religion, they accept his testimony, even though, according to these scholars, if he were to testify about a kernel, they would not accept his testimony. And yet, they certify him and accept his testimony?
The Shaykh : No, this is an error. Some people are lenient in the matter of certification and endorsement, and this is a serious error. It is obligatory that we do not certify anyone except those whom Allah and His Messenger have certified, and that we not be swayed by the blame of any blamer in the matter of Allah, because this endorsement will serve as a basis for other matters besides the specific issue for which you endorsed him.
The questioner : ... I do not know.
The Shaykh : If you do not know, then it is not permissible for you to endorse him.
The questioner : No, I know his character and religion on the surface; I know that, but I do not know about his memorization or whether he is firm in such matters.
The Shaykh : It is sufficient if you say, "I know that he is a person of good character and religion." That is sufficient. Then, if the judge himself suspects him of poor memorization, for example, he will investigate. And as for the opponent, this is a matter of claims, and it is not a problem, because the opponent will defend himself; he will challenge this witness by every means. Yes.
The Shaykh : No, this is an error. Some people are lenient in the matter of certification and endorsement, and this is a serious error. It is obligatory that we do not certify anyone except those whom Allah and His Messenger have certified, and that we not be swayed by the blame of any blamer in the matter of Allah, because this endorsement will serve as a basis for other matters besides the specific issue for which you endorsed him.
The questioner : ... I do not know.
The Shaykh : If you do not know, then it is not permissible for you to endorse him.
The questioner : No, I know his character and religion on the surface; I know that, but I do not know about his memorization or whether he is firm in such matters.
The Shaykh : It is sufficient if you say, "I know that he is a person of good character and religion." That is sufficient. Then, if the judge himself suspects him of poor memorization, for example, he will investigate. And as for the opponent, this is a matter of claims, and it is not a problem, because the opponent will defend himself; he will challenge this witness by every means. Yes.