Is an initial general admission of debt ('I owe money') accepted if subsequently specified by the claimant as a small or large amount?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Acknowledgment of Rights
Primary text
The specification of a small or large amount following a general admission of owing money is accepted. This is the position of Al-Shafi'i. The evidence supports this because whatever is specified by the claimant also falls under the definition of 'money' both legally and conventionally, and is commonly valued as such, thus accepting the specification, similar to what the opposing scholars agreed upon regarding the general admission.
Supporting text
Abu Hanifa rejects the specification unless it pertains to wealth subject to Zakat (obligatory charity), citing Quran 10:103 concerning the purification of wealth given as Zakat, and Quran 51:19 which states there is a right in their wealth. Some Malikis present three views: one aligning with the main position, a second requiring the specification to be at least the minimum threshold (nisab) for Zakat wealth of the same type, and a third suggesting the value that triggers amputation for theft or the minimum required for the dowry (mahr).