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The question

How can one reconcile the dispraise in the first Hadith for those who testify without being asked, with the praise in the second Hadith for those who offer their testimony before being asked? What is the meaning of "fatness appearing in them"? And what is meant by Ibrahim al-Nakha'i's saying: "They used to beat us for bearing witness and for covenants when we were young"?

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Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 20261 min readAlso available in العربية
The answer

There is no contradiction between the Hadiths regarding "testimony" (Shahada) and "fatness" (Saman). They are reconciled by understanding that the dispraise of testimony is for one who bears false witness, or who testifies before being asked, knowing that the rights belong to another. As for its praise, it is for one who testifies truthfully for a benefit unknown to the right-holder. The dispraise of fatness is for one who excessively indulges in luxury and eating to improve their physique, and not for one who became fat unintentionally. As for striking an oath on "testimony and covenant," it is a disciplinary measure to prevent excessive swearing by Allah.

Summary from Ftawy's records · added here

Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.

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Where this answer came from
Source platform
Ftawy
Original fatwa ID
6271
Added here
. This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
Text
Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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Read the full answer on Ftawy