Impermissibility of testifying except with what one knows

Q 1: When someone applies to get a Bahraini passport, (Part No. 23; Page No. 506) witnesses have to testify that so and so was born in Bahrain. They give this testimony whether they are sure of its content or not. Is doing so tantamount to perjury?

A: it is not permissible for a person to testify except to what they have seen or heard. Proof for the foregoing are the Ayahs (Qur'anic verses) in which Allah (Exalted be He) says: ...except for those who bear witness to the truth knowingly (i.e. believed in the Oneness of Allâh, and obeyed His Orders), and they know (the facts about the Oneness of Allâh). And: And follow not (O man i.e., say not, or do not or witness not) that of which you have no knowledge. On the authority of Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) who narrated: "The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was asked about bearing witness. He said: Bear witness only if you see something as clearly as you see the sun. Otherwise, leave it." (Related by Al-Khallal)Accordingly, it is not permissible for a person to testify that so and so was born in Bahrain unless they know this for sure. On the other hand, if someone testifies that so and so was born in Bahrain while they know that this is a lie, this testimony will be considered perjury and the witness will be liable to receive the punishment which is mentioned in the Qur'an and the Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet). (Part No. 23; Page No. 507) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.