عن زيد بن خالد الجهني أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: «ألا أُخبِرُكُم بخير الشُّهَدَاء الذي يَأتي بِشَهادَتِهِ قبل أن يُسْأَلَهَا».
This Hadīth illustrates the merit of the one who gives a testimony before he is even asked to do so. This indicates his good nature and keenness to give his testimony in order to preserve people's rights. The Hadīth is interpreted to apply to the case when the person who has a right does not know of this testimony or forgot about it. The witness is thus recommended to take the initiative and testify.
That is how this Hadīth is better understood in light of other reports that dispraise the person who gives testimony before he is asked for it.
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