Accept the truth, whoever it comes from

It is reported that a man came to ‘Abdullâh b. Mas’ûd – Allâh be pleased with him – and asked, “Teach me some comprehensive and beneficial words.” He replied, “Worship Allâh and do not associate any partners with Him, and be with the Qur’ân wherever it is. And whoever comes to you with some truth – whether he is young or old, even if he is hated by you – then accept [that truth]. And whoever comes lying to you – even if he is beloved and close – then reject it from him.”

Abû Bakr Al-Kharâ`itî, Masâwî Al-Akhlâq wa Madhmûmihâ p72.

More:

  1. Abû Bakr to ‘Umar on his Deathbed
  2. Patience, Asceticism, Prudence and Humbleness
  3. A False testimony of Faith [hypocrisy and the shahadah]
  4. Isn’t this that time?
  5. Take the Quran
  6. No poverty after Paradise and no wealth in the Fire
  7. Don’t ask the Polytheists

June 30, 2009

Topics: 'Aqîdah, Advice from the Salaf, Character, Quran

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5 Responses to “Accept the truth, whoever it comes from”

  1. Ummu Sakeenah on August 21, 2009 14:18

    Baarakallaahu Feekum.
    The words "take from whoever comes to you with truth" ofcourse refer to the people of Sunnah ONLY. Right?
    (Some may use these wordings to justify taking from the Ahl-ul-Bid'ah. They say "we take the good from them and leave the bad".)

  2. Owais Al-Hashimi on August 22, 2009 08:16

    Wa barakallahu feekum,
    Yes, a good reminder jazakillahu khayran. Such statements are taken alongside the many narrations showing us that it is not allowed for a Muslim to sit with the People of Bid'ah (some of which you will find translated on this site). In fact, there is an ijmaa' (consensus) amongst the scholars that we should not give audience to heretics.

  3. Ummu Sakeenah on August 22, 2009 22:58

    Wa Iyyaak.

  4. zahra on September 23, 2009 06:39

    Asalamo alaikom

    How would one know what the person is saying is the truth! meaning we have to look into everything others tell us?

  5. Owais Al-Hashimi on September 25, 2009 18:30

    Wa alaykumus-salam,
    This and other similar texts do not tell us to listen to what everyone has to say, but remind us that if we recognize the truth we must accept it and not reject it on the basis that we don’t like the person who conveyed that truth. Knowing the truth and accepting it when it comes to you, and listening to everyone who has something to say are two things, one does not necessarily involve the other. Our deen teaches us to be careful who we take it from, and Muslims are required to take knowledge from trustworthy, reliable sources: the Quran, authentic Sunnah, upon the understanding of the Salaf. The scholars who have dedicated their lives to learning and studying these sources, having received knowledge and recognition from those on the same path before them are the ones who should be referred to in every time and place. Students who study and take from such scholars can be benefitted from. On the other hand, these same scholars of the Salaf are unanimously agreed that the Muslim is not to give audience to heretics, people who promote religious innovations (bida’). For example, refer to these posts:

    http://www.sayingsofthesalaf.net/index.php/four-p…
    http://www.sayingsofthesalaf.net/index.php/modera…
    http://www.sayingsofthesalaf.net/index.php/mixing…

    Insha Allâh, I will soon be posting a response to another recent comment, where you can find more details on this.