Exercising Caution in the avenues through which we Acquire our Deen

Hazrat Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Daamat Barakaatuhu) mentioned

Before we read any book, check the credentials and background of the author. If we do not know him, then do not read his book. A Jew had written an entire thesis on Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas‘ood (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). He presented the facts in very flowery language and even quoted authentic narrations regarding Abdullah bin Mas‘ood (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). But then the question arises that what need did he have to write on this great Sahaabi? There must have been some hidden agenda behind him preparing this thesis. At the end of the book it was seen that he had quoted a statement regarding Abdullah bin Mas’ood (Radhiyallahu Anhu). He said that Abdullah bin Mas’ood (Radhiyallahu Anhu) used to fabricate ahaadeeth. Whatever he had written prior to that in praise of Abdullah bin Mas’ood (Radhiyallahu Anhu) was in order to sell you this final statement. Once you accept this poisonous statement, you will lose your confidence in this Sahaabi and once you lose confidence in the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) then you have broken your link with Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Nowadays we find many people reading anything and everything and are not concerned and worried whether the material has a misleading effect or not.