Question:-
I really respected and looked up to a particular Alim. However, his ex-wife informed one of my female family members in regards to his evil actions. I am now despondent and left in a dilemma. Please advise!
Answer:-
Firstly, besides the Ambiya Alaihimus Salaam, no other human being is sinless or ‘Maa’soom.’ This means that every person, irrespective of his position and level of piety will have some flaws and errors in his life. It is, for this reason, that we have been blessed with the institute of Taubah and repentance. On repenting, one becomes the friend and beloved of Almighty Allah. No human being is then entitled to point fingers at him and remind him of his past.
Now, because every person has flaws in his life, we will look at the general condition of a person. If he has more good in his life than evil, then he will be considered as a good person and will be worthy of being followed, otherwise not. In your query you state that he is considered as a scholar that is on Haqq, and is even considered to be from the Ulama-e-Haqq amongst other scholars, which is an indication that generally he is a practicing scholar, otherwise the scholars would have not accepted him to be a scholar of Haqq.
Secondly, this news was initiated by his ex-wife. It is an undeniable fact that an ex-wife will not be happy with her previous husband. It is due to her unhappiness and grievances that they are now divorced. The jurists have written that, if your opponent happens to be involved in a court case with a third party, then your testimony against your opponent will not be accepted, as some level of hatred may still be existing in your heart for him. Yes, on the contrary if you were to testify in favour of him, then such testimony will be acceptable.
فكل من لا تجوز شهادتك عليه تجوز شهادتك له , وكل من لا تجوز شهادتك له تجوز شهادتك عليه (معين التلاميذ علي قراءة الرسالة ص433)
Now, after understanding this principle, contemplate over the issue. The allegations or accusations have been initiated by his ex-wife who would most definitely harbour some level of hatred for her ex-husband. This information was then heard by another female and she then related it to your family member. You are the fourth person to whom this messaged has finally reached. You haven’t even investigated and verified the message yet you are now entertaining evil thoughts in regards to the Alim in discussion. What if the message was misinterpreted and misconstrued? What if the ex-wife never said such things and some Fitnah-monger has commenced this evil?
The rumor had once spread in Madinah Sharif that Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam had divorced his wives. Hadrat Umar Radiallahu Anhu left his home and went to Masjid-e-Nabawi. There, he found the Sahaaba discussing the very same matter. He then went directly to Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam and enquired from him as to whether he divorced his wives. Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam replied in the negative. Umar Radiallahu Anhu immediately made his way to the Masjid where he stood at the door of Masjid-un-Nabawi and announced, “Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam has not divorced his wives. What you people are saying is incorrect.” Ibn Katheer Radiallahu Anhu states that, on this incident the following verses of the Quraan Sharif were revealed wherein Allah Ta’ala states, “When any matter of peace or fear comes to them (the hypocrites and weak Muslims), they broadcast it. If they had referred the matter to the Rasul and to those of them that have understanding, it would surely be known to those of them who investigate the matter. If it were not for Allah’s grace and mercy on you, you would surely follow Shaytaan except for a few.” [Surah Nisaa Verse 83]
Thirdly, by us discussing the matter, we are simply harming ourselves as backbiting, false accusations, lying, etc. are major sins, which you have already pointed out in your query. Besides engaging in Taubah and seeking forgiveness from Allah Ta’ala, one is required to make amends with the victim by requesting his forgiveness, and seeking forgiveness from another person might be difficult. We therefore advise that this matter is left to Allah Ta’ala and let us not destroy our Aakhirah because of another human being. Yes, if you are no longer comfortable seeking advice from him, or attending his programmes, you may respectfully leave and choose to follow another scholar (Alim) in whom you have confidence and may be comfortable with. But then too, you should keep your heart clean at all times (for the Alim) and respect him.
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
21 Rabi-ul-Aakhir 1434 / 26 November 2021
