Al-’Abbaad Asked Whether it is Allowed to Test People Regarding a Particular Person by Asking Them, ‘What do you say about so and so?’

Questioner: Is it allowed to test people regarding a particular person, such that it is said to one of them, ‘What do you say about so and so?’ and then he is categorised according to his answer?

Al-’Abbaad: Such things are not allowed, this is from the Devil’s manipulation of the people. It is a mistake for them to busy themselves with asking people questions about a person and then to [either] throw away that person who was being tested by that question or bring him close according to the answer that he gives. It is obligatory on everyone person who is sincere to himself to busy himself with seeking knowledge and with that which will benefit him, and not to busy himself with what will harm and not benefit him.

”Taken from http://giftsofknowledge.net/