Ibn al-Qayyim, rahimahullah said:
“So O reader, for you is to benefit from this book, and upon the author is the penalty. You have the fruit, and upon him is arduous labour. So whatever you find it in harmonious with the truth and accurate - then accept it. And focus not to the author. Rather focus to what is being said, not to who is saying it. For Allah has admonished those who reject the truth if it comes from one whom he hates, and accepts it if it comes from one he loves, for these are characteristics of a wretched ummah. Some of the companions said: “Accept the truth from the one who says it, even if you dislike him, and reject falsehood from whoever it comes, even if he is beloved”, and whatever mistakes you find, then its author did not exerted effort to bring it about purposely, and truly Allah refuses to grant perfection to any save Himself. However, the one whose mistakes are counted is closer to the truth, than the one who has his goodness counted. It is upon the one who speaks to take as a source for his speech authentic knowledge, to aim to make his advice for the sake of Allah, His Book, His Messenger and to his fellow Muslim brothers. For if he makes the truth in accordance with his desires, then his heart, actions, condition and path will become corrupt. Allah says: “If the Truth had been in accord with their desires, truly the heavens and the earth, and all beings therein would have been in confusion and corruption! [23:71]”
[From Madaarij as-Saalikeen and Miftaah Daar as-Sa’aadah]
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