Character and memory: Scholars judge a narrator by two main things: his character and his memory.
First, justice: First, justice ('Adala): was he a good, honest person? Did he pray, avoid lying, and keep away from major sins? A person who lies in daily life cannot be trusted with the words of the Imam (as).
Second, accuracy: Second, accuracy (Dabt): did he remember well? Did he write the Hadith down, or did he only rely on memory? Did he sometimes mix up words? A very honest person with a weak memory can still pass on a wrong word by mistake.
Honest and careful together: A narrator is trusted only when he is both honest and careful. If either one is missing, scholars become careful.
Example
Carrying an important letter: Imagine you need someone to carry an important letter to your father. You would choose a person who is honest and will not change the letter, and who is careful and will not lose it on the way.
The carrier protects the message: A narrator is like that carrier. Honesty protects the message from being changed on purpose. Accuracy protects it from being changed by mistake.
Key Terms
- 'Adala (عدالت) — justice; being a good, honest person who avoids major sins
- Dabt (ضبط) — accuracy; remembering well and passing on words correctly
Quran or Hadith
Quran 49:6 — "O you who believe! If a wicked person brings you news, verify it…" — to be checked. This verse is the basis for checking news before accepting it.
Fresh diagram to be drawn: Two pillars holding up a bridge labelled "Trust": one pillar "Honesty ('Adala)", one pillar "Accuracy (Dabt)". If one pillar cracks, the bridge sags.
- A narrator is judged by two things: justice ('Adala) and accuracy (Dabt).
- 'Adala means he was honest and avoided major sins.
- Dabt means he remembered well and passed on words correctly.
- Both are needed; if one is missing, scholars become careful.