Is a written will valid if the witnesses only see it sealed and hear a general attestation?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Bequests
Primary text
The established view attributed to Ahmad is that if a man writes his will, seals it, and tells the witnesses, "Bear witness for me concerning what is in this document," it is not valid unless the witnesses hear the contents of the will or the testator reads it to them, and they affirm what is in it. This view aligns with those previously mentioned in connection with the first issue. The primary argument against validity is that the witnesses cannot know what is contained within the document, which invalidates their testimony, similar to a judge's letter to another judge.
Supporting text
Another possibility suggests permissibility, inferring from the acceptance of the testator's mere handwriting. Scholars supporting permissibility include Abd al-Malik ibn Ya'la, Makhul, Numayr ibn Ibrahim, Malik, al-Layth, al-Awza'i, Muhammad ibn Maslama, Abu Ubayd, and Ishaq. Abu Ubayd argued from the precedent of the Prophet's (peace be upon him) letters to his governors and the subsequent letters of the Rashidun Caliphs concerning rulings on blood, honor, and wealth, which were sent sealed without the bearer knowing the contents, and these were implemented. The appointment of Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz by Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik via a sealed document, which was widely known without repudiation, suggests consensus on validity.