The Prohibition of Judging by Other Than the Messenger’s (ﷺ) Teachings

Exposing the Hypocrisy of Seeking Judgment from Sources Other Than Islam

Ash-Sha’abi said: “A dispute took place between a man from among the hypocrites and a man from among the Jews; and so the Jew said: “Let us seek judgement from Muhammad,” for he knew that he (ﷺ) did not accept bribes. But the hypocrite said: “Let us seek judgement from the Jews,” for he knew that they accepted bribes. And so both of them agreed to take their case to a fortune-teller in Juhainah and seek his judgement; then ALLĀH revealed: “Do you not see (oh, Muhammad,) those who claim to have faith in what was revealed to you and to those before you? They desire to resort for judgement to At-Taaghoot.” (4:60)

{Tafsīr at-Ṭabarī, 4/155}

Ash-Sha’abi (may ALLĀH be pleased with him) informs us in this narration that a dispute took place between a man from among the hypocrites (i.e those who outwardly affected to have embraced Islam, while retaining disbelief in their hearts) and a man from among the Jews of Madinah; and so the Jew, knowing of the Messenger of ALLĀH’s (ﷺ) impartiality, justice, honesty and even-handedness, suggested that they refer their dispute to him (ﷺ). The hypocrite, also knowing this, and fearing it, suggested that instead, they refer their matter to the Jews, whom he knew could be bribed. In the end, they both agreed to refer their case to a fortune-teller from the village of Juhainah, at which ALLĀH revealed to HIS Messenger (ﷺ) the above verse which exposed their wickedness, disgrace and baseless to the world until the Day of Resurrection.

BENEFITS DERIVED FROM THIS NARRATION

The miracle of the Prophet (ﷺ), that even his enemies testified to his honesty and justice.

The forbiddance of giving or accepting bribes.

That one ofthe signs of hypocrisy is seeking judgement from other than ALLĀH’s Law.

That one ofthe characteristics of the Jews is their acceptance of bribery.

{Kitābu At-Tawheed Explained || Page 242-243}