The Messenger is The Definitive and Weightiest Criterion In Every Matter, Including Not Deceitfully Sidestepping Responsibility
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: He (the Messenger) serves as the definitive and weightiest criterion (for humankind and Jinn) through whose manners, statements and actions are measured the manners, statements and actions (of others). He is the manifest criterion that when followed, a distinction is made between the people of guidance and the people of misguidance”. [1]
It is thus emphasised that we strive to embody the likes of the above statements in all our interactions and mutual dealings. This includes refraining from employing deceitful tactics on social media to escape accountability, avoiding a victim mentality, and not selectively quoting the general remarks of scholars and students of knowledge to sidestep personal obligations. Additionally, we should not subtly resort to sophistry and adorned speech to avoid taking responsibility. The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Indeed, I am only a human being and you people (i.e. disputants) come to me with your disputes. And it may be that one of you can present his case more eloquently than the other and I consider him truthful, and judge in his favour. So if I ever judge and give the right of a brother to his brother, then it is a piece of hell-fire and let him not take it”
Some Benefits Derived From This Hadeeth:
The Ummah (i.e. the scholars and judges) have been commissioned to judge based on what is apparent, but the mere judgement of a judge cannot prohibit the lawful and allow the unlawful (i.e. when proven erroneous). This hadeeth also shows that speech can be seen to be true based on what is apparent, but it is truly falsehood concerning what is hidden within it. This hadeeth shows that the one who receives a judgement in his favour is more aware than every other person as to whether he is entitled to it or whether he is a falsifier. So, he takes it if he is entitled to it or leaves it if he a falsifier because, in reality, a judgement cannot change an affair from what it was in origin (i.e. the original truth in the affair before its distortion or concealment). This hadeeth shows the sinfulness of the one who argues based on falsehood until he receives what he wants publicly, whilst he is upon falsehood. [2]
[1] I’lam Al-Muwaqqi’een 1/4
[2]Saheeh Al-Bukhaari -Kitaab Al-Ahkaam (Book of Judgements): Chapter 29: Hadeeth Number: 7181 with Fathul Bari]