Principle Sixty-Seven: The Qur’an directs us to return to what is certain and verified in order to escape doubts and misconceptions.

This noble principle is often expressed by maxims such as, “What is merely imagined cannot overturn what is known,” and, “The unknown cannot contend with the established.” Allah draws attention to it in many places.

One instance is His description of those firmly grounded in knowledge and their stance toward the ambiguous: “We believe in it; all of it is from our Lord” (3:7). Thus, every doubtful or conjectural matter must be referred back to what is clear and decisive.

He also rebukes the believers for echoing the rumors spread by the wicked about their brothers and sisters: “Why, when you heard it, did not the believing men and believing women think well of one another and say, ‘This is an obvious slander’?” (24:12). They were commanded to rely on what is known of the believers’ faith—which repels wrongdoing—treat that established principle as decisive, and disregard the vile speech that contradicts it.

Furthermore, He says: “O you who believe, do not be like those who harmed Moses; Allah cleared him of what they alleged, and he was highly esteemed in Allah’s sight” (33:69). Moses’ standing with Allah protects him from every defect ascribed by those who hurt him, for one attains such esteem only after being free of all deficiencies and adorned with every perfection befitting the resolute messengers. Allah therefore warns this community against following the path of those who offended Moses, lest they harm the Messenger who enjoys the greatest honor before Allah, the loftiest rank, the deepest compassion for the believers, and the broadest beneficence toward creation.

He, exalted be He, also says: “Such then is Allah, your true Lord. What, then, is there after the truth but error? How then are you turned away?” (10:32); and: “Those who have been given knowledge see that what has been sent down to you from your Lord is the truth” (34:6).