What is the authenticity of the narration where Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) advised Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu) to always hear both sides of a story before passing judgement?
Answer
Imam Tirmidhi (rahimahullah) has recorded the following narration and has declared it sound (hasan):
Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu) says, Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) told me:
“When two people come to you for a judgement, do not pass any ruling for the first person until you hear the other person’s case. You will then know how to pass a ruling.”
(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 1331)
Imam Ahmad (rahimahullah) has also recorded the following version:
Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu) says, Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) once sent me as a judge and said:
“When two disputing parties come to you, then do not pass a judgement against one party until you hear the other person’s case. [After hearing out both parties] A ruling will then become clear.”
(Musnad Ahmad, vol. 1 pg. 149. Also see: Sahih Ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 5065)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar