Zaid b. Khalid reported God’s Messenger as saying, “Shall I not tell you of the best witness? He is the one who produces his deposition before he is asked for it.” Muslim transmitted it.
The Offices of Commander and Qadi
Mishkat al-Masabih 3766 - Commentary by Mishkat al-Masabih
Hadith Text
Zaid b. Khalid reported God's Messenger as saying, "Shall I not tell you of the best witness? He is the one who produces his deposition before he is asked for it." Muslim transmitted it.
Scholarly Commentary
This noble hadith illuminates the excellence of voluntary testimony in matters of justice. The "best witness" is one who offers testimony spontaneously, without awaiting a formal request from the qadi or disputing parties.
This demonstrates complete sincerity (ikhlas) and detachment from worldly considerations, seeking only God's pleasure through establishing truth. Such a witness transcends personal interests and fears, fulfilling the divine command to bear witness for justice.
The wisdom lies in preventing injustice before it occurs, as delayed testimony may allow falsehood to prevail. The proactive witness embodies the Quranic injunction: "Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah" (4:135).
This teaching particularly applies to those in authority - commanders and judges - who must exemplify this quality, ensuring justice flows naturally from their character rather than being extracted through procedure.
Legal and Ethical Implications
This hadith establishes that the merit of testimony is measured by its sincerity and timeliness, not merely its technical correctness.
It encourages Muslims to develop a consciousness where truth-telling becomes instinctive, reflecting the state of those who "enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong" (3:104).
In judicial contexts, it reminds qadis to value voluntary testimonies and recognize the superior spiritual station of those who offer them willingly.