Denial of Testimony Imam Abu Yusuf, the jurist and student of Imam Abu Hanifa, rejected the testimony of a high ranking military officer who was also a relative of the Abbasid caliph during that time, Harun al-Rashid. The officer complained to the caliph and when Harun al-Rashid confronted the judge why he denied the testimony of the officer, Imam Abu Yusuf said: I did not accept his testimony because i heard him once saying, while he was with you, that he was your slave. If he was saying the truth that he was indeed your slave, his testimony cannot be accepted as a slaves testimony is inadmissible in evidence. If he was lying because in truth he was not your slave, his testimony cannot be admitted because he is a liar. A liar is not allowed to give evidence in court. Then Harun al-Rashid inquired: How about me? If I give evidence, can my testimony be accepted? The Imam answered: No. Your testimony is inadmissible. Why? the caliph asked. Abu Yusuf replied: Because you act arrogantly towards Allah as you do not perform your prayers in congregation with the Muslim community. That behavior indicates a show of pride and that is not acceptable to Allah. The caliph repented and built a masjid beside the palace where people were allowed to pray with him in congregation.
Posted on: Mon, 05 Jan 2015 00:14:00 +0000