The word 'Shahadat' is used in the Quran and Sunnah for testimony. Shahadat means to explain something, some matter or event responsibly as per one's knowledge so that the rightful person gets his right.
It is very important to note two things in testimony.
- Observing an incident carefully and placing it in the heart and mind.
- Presenting the matter honestly before the judge.
The one who testifies is called a witness. The commands regarding testimony change according to the type of matter. When there are only two witnesses who know about the matter, then it becomes obligatory to testify and when the witness is called or sent to testify, it is not permissible to hide the testimony. When many people are aware of the matter and the incident, testimony is no longer obligatory, but becomes recommended. Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran:
وَلَا يَأْتِ الشُّهَدَاء إِذَا مَا دُعُوا
Translation:
"The witnesses must not refuse when they are summoned." (Surah Al-Baqarah: 282)
About prohibition of hiding the testimony, Allah almighty says in the Holy Quran:
وَلَا تَكْتُمُوا الشَّهَادَةَ وَمَنْ يَكْتُمْهَا فَإِنَّدَ ائِم قَلْبُهُ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ عَلِيمٌ
Translation:
"Do not conceal testimony. Whoever conceals it, his heart is surely, sinful. Allah is All-Aware of what you do." (Surah Al-Baqarah: 283)
Shahadat in Islam is like a trust, just as it is obligatory to fulfil other trusts, in the same way witnessing is also a trust which is very important to pay. Giving testimony is sometimes to narrate an event seen with the eyes, which is called eyewitness testimony. Sometimes a witness gives evidence by hearing something, this is called "auditory evidence" and when he makes a person a witness on his testimony, then he is called a 'Shahadat Al Ashahadať. As witnessing is a high position and rank, therefore, it is a condition for witnessing that the Muslim witness should be wise, mature and just. If there are not two male witnesses, then the testimony of one male and two females will also be accepted. Allah Almighty says:
Translation:
"Have two witnesses from among your men, and if two men are not there, then one man and two women from those witnesses whom you like, so that if one of the two women errs, the other woman may remind her. The witnesses should not refuse when summoned." (Surah Al-Baqarah: 282)
The Holy Prophet , while clarifying the importance of witnessing, said: “If people are given everything because of a claim, then so many people will stand as witnesses against the claimant for blood and wealth, that is why the disclaimer has to provide witnesses and the one who denies, the oath." (Sahih Bukhari)
i. The Scourge of Perjury
The Holy Prophet says that false testimony has been equated to idolatry. False testimony has been equated to shirk. Saying this three times, the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad recited these verses of the Holy Quran:
فَاجْتَنِبُوا الرِّجْسَ مِنَ الْأَوْثَانِ وَاجْتَنِبُوا قَوْلَ الرُّورِة
Translation:
"So refrain from the filth of the idols and refrain from a word of falsehood."
(Surah Al-Hajj: 30)
ii. Effects of True Testimony and Perjury
Peace is established in the society by witnessing. Feelings of brotherhood develop. Feeling of courtesy develops for each other. Feelings such as sense of responsibility develop as it becomes possible to attain the pleasure of God, whereas false testimony enrages Allah. Enmities develop. Restlessness arises in the society. The society becomes a victim of unrest and cruelty. We must fulfil our responsibility. Cultivate true witness and true feelings. Should not bear false witness and shouldn't appreciate perjury.
