What is the admissibility of the report (khabar) of various individuals concerning religious matters?
Chapter on Facing the Qiblah
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
The report of one who is known for open sinfulness (Fasiq) is not accepted due to religious deficit and susceptibility to accusation; consequently, their narration and testimony are also rejected. The report of a child is not accepted because their restraint from lying due to the sinfulness of falsehood is not trustworthy. Al-Tamimi stated that the report of a discerning child is accepted. If the state of the informant is unknown, and there is doubt regarding their Islam or disbelief, their report is not accepted, similar to unknown Mihrabs. If their justice or wickedness is unknown, their report is accepted because the default status of a Muslim is presumed to be uprightness unless contrary is evident. The reports of all other mature, sane Muslims, male or female, are accepted, as this is a report concerning religious matters, analogous to narration.
Supporting text
Acceptance of a single individual's report is also established.