What is the ruling when two men mutually injure each other, and each claims self-defense?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Beverages (Intoxicants)

Book 53 · Issue 2 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If two men fight and each wounds the other, claiming self-defense against the other's assault, both must swear an oath to nullify the other's claim. Each man is liable for damages for the injury he inflicted upon the other because each is asserting a claim against the other which the other denies, and the presumption is that liability exists.