Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy upon him) stated:

Many from amongst the people weigh statements according to men. If one of them believes concerning a person that he is magnified (i.e. has status), then his statements will be accepted even if they are falsehood, opposing the Kitaab and the Sunnah. Rather in this case (you’ll find that the one who accepts these statements) will not listen to the one who refutes that statement (of falsehood) with the Kitaab and the Sunnah. Rather (the one who accepts the statement) deems the one who made the statement (to be) infallible. And when he believes concerning a person that they don’t have status, he rejects the statements (of that person) even if they are the truth. Therefore he deems the one who makes the statement as the reason for accepting (the statement) or rejecting it without weighing the statement according to the Kitaab and the Sunnah.

‘Alee Ibn Abee Taalib (may Allah be pleased with him) said to al-Haarith Ibn Hoot when he said to him: “Oh Alee, do you think that Talhah and az-Zubayr were upon falsehood and you were upon the truth?” Alee said in response: “No oh Haarith, the matter is confusing to you. Know the truth and you will know its people. For indeed the truth is not known by the men, rather the men are only known by the truth.” Continue reading →