Is the testimony of a person who attends a meal without invitation (*Tufayli*) acceptable?

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The testimony of a *Tufayli*, one who comes to the food of others without an invitation, is not accepted. This view is held by Al-Shafi'i. The basis for this ruling is the tradition narrated from the Prophet, peace be upon him, stating: "Whoever comes to food to which he was not invited, enters as a thief and leaves as one who causes discontent." Furthermore, such an act constitutes a forbidden deed (*muharram*), involves baseness (*safah*), vulgarity (*dana'ah*), and loss of chivalry (*muru'ah*). However, if this action is not repeated by the individual, his testimony is not rejected because it is considered a minor sin (*sagha'ir*).