When the Messenger of Allāh (صلى الله عليه وسلم) consulted ʿAlī b. Abī Ṭālib (رضي الله عنه) during the famous incident of the slander—at a time when revelation was delayed—ʿAlī, despite being among the most knowledgeable of the Companions, did not hesitate to defer to someone who had more direct knowledge of the matter. He suggested that Barīrah, the servant of ʿĀʾishah (رضي الله عنها), be questioned regarding the situation. He did not rely on his own limited knowledge to pass judgment, rather he pointed to the one who had better insight into the affair.

Shaykh ʿUbayd al-Jābirī (d. 1444 AH) (رحمه الله) said:

“Anyone who is consulted about a matter must convey what he knows with certainty or strong likelihood. If he does not have clear knowledge or evidence that qualifies him to give advice, then he should refer the questioner to someone who is more knowledgeable about the situation. This is based on the saying of ʿAlī (رضي الله عنه): ‘Ask the slave girl, she will tell you the truth.’” [Inʿām al-Bārī, pg. 426–427]

This shows humility and a commitment to truth over ego. Even someone seen as low in status (like a slave girl at that time) might be more qualified in a given matter, and the goal is reaching the truth, not the notoriety of who says it.

Compiled and Translation by: Munīb al-Ṣumālī