Concise Introduction to Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence Based on al-Waraqat By Imam al-Harmayn Al-Juwayni [Part 21]
Al-Akhbar ‘news, reports’ is what can be true or false for itself.
For example, ‘Zayd stands up.’ This report can be true or false.
A report may be true or false due to an external cause.
For example, a report that it is impossible to be true, e.g. someone claims prophet-hood after the death of Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him]
A report that is impossible to be false, e.g. reports of Allah and His Messenger Muhammad
According to the manner of transmission, reports are of two types: Mutawatir reports and Ahad reports.
Mutawatir Report
Technically, mutawatir is a report that is narrated by such a large number of people that it is inconceivable that they collaborated to lie.
A mutawatir report conveys certain knowledge that one is obliged to decisively accept it as if he witnessed the matter with his sense of perception.
Conditions of mutawatir report
1. A large number of people narrate it.
2. A large number of people is present at all levels of the chain of transmission.
3. It is inconceivable that they could have collaborated to lie.
4. The report is based upon sense perception, such as they say, ‘we heard’ or ‘we saw’.
Ahad Report
Technically, the Ahad report is a narration that does not fulfill the conditions of a mutawatir report. In other words, a narration that has not been transmitted by a large number like the mutawatir narration even if the transmitter is one, two, or three, etc.
Ruling on Ahad Report
a) It is obligatory to act according to the purport of the Ahad narration by believing in it if it is a report and applying its rule if it is a demand on the condition that it is authentically transmitted from Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him]. There is no difference on this matter whether the report is about a creedal or practical rule according to the correct opinion of the scholars in this regard because of the ample proof confirming that it is obligatory to act according to the dictate of the news told by one person. Abdul Allah Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with them said, ‘While the people praying al-Fajr prayer at Quba’ mosque, someone came and said, ‘It has been revealed Quranic revelation to Messenger Muhammad and he has been commanded to face towards the direction of al-Ka’aba in Makkah.’ Thereupon, the people turned their faces towards al-Ka’aba after they were facing towards Jerusalem mosque in ash-Sham.’ This narration is clear proof confirming that it is obligatory to act according to the dictate of news told by one person.
b) Al-Ahad report conveys knowledge that must be investigated, namely, accepting it depends on examination and evidence. If news told by one person conveys certain knowledge, we will believe every news we hear. However, we do not believe every news we hear; rather, we examine its truthfulness.
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