Under what condition must a woman claiming a child prove the maternity if she has relatives?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Acknowledgment of Rights

Book 20 · Issue 3 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If a woman claiming a child has known brothers or lineage, it is necessary for her to prove that the child is hers. If there is no one to refute her claim, the ruling applies. This is because when a woman has a known family, it is presumed they would be aware of her giving birth, so if she claims a child unknown to them, the apparent conclusion is falsehood.

Supporting text

Another possibility suggests her claim should be accepted absolutely because lineage requires strict precaution, making her situation analogous to that of a man.