Is it permissible for a witness who knows the content of their testimony to deliver it without being asked?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Testimonies
Primary text
If the beneficiary of the testimony (Al-Mashhood Lahu) is aware of the testimony, it is not permissible for the witness to render their testimony until the beneficiary requests it. This ruling is based on the saying of the Prophet, peace be upon him: 'The best of people are my generation, then those who follow them, then those who follow them, then there will come a people who warn but do not fulfill, and testify but are not asked to testify, and betray but are not entrusted.' This hadith is narrated by Al-Bukhari. Furthermore, rendering the testimony is a right belonging to the beneficiary, and it cannot be fulfilled except with their consent, similar to their other rights.