This is like saying:

“Be with the believers; be with the righteous.”

That is, join them (1) in this quality and share it with them. It does not mean that you are commanded to obey them in everything.

The seventh point: It may be said that if “Be with the truthful” is intended without qualification, that is because truthfulness necessarily entails every other form of righteousness, as in the words (2) of the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him:

“You must adhere to truthfulness, for truthfulness leads to righteousness”—

to the end of the hadith. Accordingly, this quality applies to everyone who possesses it.

The eighth point: It may be said that Allah commanded us to be with the truthful; He did not say, “with those known to be truthful.” Likewise, He said:

“Call two just witnesses from among you, and establish the testimony for Allah.”

[Surah al-Talāq: 2]

He did not say, “those from among you whom you know to be just.” Likewise, He said:

“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to those entitled to them.”

[Surah al-Nisā’: 58]

He did not say, “to those whom you know to be entitled to them.” Likewise, He said:

“And when you judge between people, judge with justice.”

[Surah al-Nisā’: 58]

He did not say, “according to what you know to be just.” Rather, He made the ruling contingent upon the attribute itself.

We must exercise our best judgment, to the extent possible, in determining who is truthful and upright, who is entitled to trusts, and what is just. We are not required to possess knowledge of the unseen in such matters. Likewise, the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—who was commanded to judge with justice, said:

“You bring your disputes before me, and perhaps one of you is more eloquent in presenting his case than another (3); I judge only according to what (4) I hear. Thus, if I award someone anything belonging by right to his brother, he must not take it, for I am only allotting him a portion of the Fire.” (5).