Bayhaqi 20274 — Taking care to verify in judgement

Abu Ubayd, regarding the hadith of Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) about a man who travelled with his companions, said: He did not return with them, and his family accused his companions of murder, so the case came before Qadi Shurayh (may Allah have mercy on him). He asked for evidence of the killing, so they took the case to Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him). They told him what Qadi Shurayh (may Allah have mercy on him) had said, and Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said: Sa'd came; Sa'd left the camels at the watering place, from which one could drink only with a waterskin; then Sa'd wrapped himself in his sheet and slept, so the camels did not drink their fill. Then Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) separated them and questioned them, and their statements differed. Then they confessed to killing him.
The easiest way by which a place at the trough can be obtained, and the easiest way for Qadi Shurayh (may Allah have mercy on him) to settle matters, is careful reflection, so that he is no longer in need of any proof.