What is the ruling when a person admits ownership of a slave to another, but when presented with the specific slave, denies it is that one?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Acknowledgment of Rights
Primary text
If a person admits ownership of a slave to another, and the alleged owner presents the slave claiming it is the one acknowledged, but the original recognizer denies it is that specific slave, claiming it is another, the original recognizer must swear an oath that no other slave belonging to the claimant is in their possession. The original recognizer is not obligated to hand over the presented slave because the claimant is not asserting ownership over that particular one.
Supporting text
If the claimant states, "This one is mine, and I have another one in your possession," the presented slave must be delivered, and the original recognizer must swear an oath affirming the non-possession of the second slave.