What is the evidentiary weight of testimony regarding a specific physical injury, such as an exposing wound (Muwaddihah)?
Chapter on Qasamah (Oaths regarding murder)
Al-Mughni
Book of Blood-Money (Diyyāt)
Primary text
If witnesses testify to an injury that exposes the bone (Muwaddihah), their testimony is accepted if they state, "He struck him and it exposed the bone," or, "We found him with an exposing wound from the blow." However, if the testimony is ambiguous, such as "He struck his head, and his head became exposed," or, "We found an exposing wound," or, "His blood flowed, and we found an exposing wound on his head," the specific injury (Muwaddihah) is not established due to the possibility that the exposure occurred due to another cause following the strike.
Supporting text
If the testimony concerns an exposing wound on the head necessary for exacting retribution (Qisas), the witnesses must precisely designate which wound they are testifying about if there are multiple, or state its exact size and location. If they cannot specify the location or size, Qisas is not mandated due to uncertainty, and blood money (Diyah) is obligatory because Diyah does not vary based on the wound's specific location or exact size.