Be maintainers of justice...

Be maintainers of justice, bearers of witness for Allah’s sake, though it may be against your own selves or (your) parents or near relations; if he be rich or poor, Allah is nearer to them both in compassion; therefore do not follow (your) low desires, lest you deviate; and if you swerve or turn aside, then surely Allah is aware of what you do.” (Surah an-Nisā’ 4:135) Thus one must not conceal testimony due to the fear of the rich or mercy for the poor.

One must not feel undue compassion for the accused who is poor. One should neither pay heed to ones own interest nor care for any other person while giving testimony. The Divine command should always be respected in entirety. Justice for the enemy The following verse of Surah al-Mā’ida states: “O you who believe!

Be upright for Allah, bearers of witness with justice, and let not hatred of a people invite you not to act equitably; act equitably, that is nearer to piety, and be careful of (your duty to) Allah; surely Allah is aware of what you do.” (Surah al-Mā’ida 5:8) According to this ayat testimony should be given only to seek the pleasure of Allah (S.w.T.). No feeling of enmity should be allowed to come in the way of stating the truth.

Allah (S.w.T.) says in another verse: “...and give upright testimony for Allah.” (Surah at-Talāq 65:2) Those who conceal evidence Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) remarks, “On the Day of Qiyāma, Allah shall cut off the flesh of one who conceals evidence; then order him to eat it before all the creatures.” [^1] Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) also says that those who conceal evidence are described in the Qur’an as those whose hearts have sinned.

‘Hearts have sinned’ actually implied that ‘hearts have disbelieved’,” according to Imam (a.s.) Another tradition recorded from Imam (a.s.) is thus: “One who goes back upon his testimony or conceals it wholly, Allah shall cut off his flesh and force him to eat it before everyone. And when he will enter Hell he would be chewing at his own tongue.”[^2] Hazrat Imam Musa al-Kadhim (a.s.) says, “When you are asked to give evidence, give it.

For Allah says: “Surely Allah commands you to make over trusts to their owners...” (Surah an-Nisā’ 4:58) Evidence is itself a trust.