What is the ruling when a judge receives character testimony from a witness whose true status is unknown?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Judiciary

Book 62 · Issue 2 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If a judge receives testimony regarding a person's justice ('adl) from a witness whose actual situation is not fully known, the judge may accept the testimony without further investigation. However, if the judge chooses to investigate the situation, as 'Umar (RA) did, it is permissible.