CASE FILE · 17 – THE NOMAD'S TESTIMONY AGAINST THE SETTLED PEOPLE
Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "The testimony of one who dwells in the desert is not admissible against one who dwells in a village."
**EXPLANATION:** Those who dwell in the desert do not have fixed residences. They pitch tents and wander amongst grazing animals. Because they lack a permanent base, they also lack opportunities for acquiring knowledge. Most are uneducated and unfamiliar with the procedures of testimony. Those who reside in villages are free from this deficiency. Therefore, it has been stated that the testimony of those lacking knowledge is not admissible when there are those present who do possess such knowledge. If one residing in the desert is knowledgeable, then he may testify for both villagers and city dwellers. This is the view of all scholars. Ahmad ibn Hanbal and Imam Malik act upon this hadith, stating that someone living in the wilderness cannot testify regarding those who live in villages or cities.