Wala taqfu ma laysa laka bihi AAilmun inna assamAAa walbasara walfu-ada kullu (surah Al Isra: 36)

Tafseer Tafheem-ul-Quran by Syed Abu-al-A'la Maududi

(17:36) (13).Do not follow that of which you have no knowledge for you shall be questioned for (the use) of your eyes, ears and minds. *42

Wa laa taqfu maa laisa laka bihee `ilm; innas sam`a walbasara walfu`aada kullu ulaaa`ika kaana `anhu mas`oolaa

*42) The meanings of "Do not follow that of which you have no knowledge" are very comprehensive. It demands that both in individual and collective life, one should not follow mere guess work and presumption instead of "knowledge". This instruction covers all aspects of Islamic life, moral, legal, political, administrative and applies to science, arts and education. It has thus saved the society from numerous evils which are produced in human life by following guesswork instead of knowledge. The Islamic moral code demands: Guard against suspicion and do not accuse any individual or group without proper investigation. In law, it has been made a permanent principle that no action should be taken against anyone without proper investigation. It has been made unlawful to arrest, beat or imprison anyone on mere suspicion during investigation. In regard to foreign relations, the definite policy has been laid down that no action should be taken without investigation, nor should rumours be set afloat. Likewise in education the so-called sciences based on mere guess-work, presumptions and irrational theories have been disapproved. Above all, it cuts at the very root of superstitions, for this instruction teaches the Believers to accept only that which is based on the knowledge imparted by Allah and His Messenger.