What is the ruling when a person is forced by an unjust ruler to swear an oath regarding a trust (*wadeeah*)?

Chapter on Divorce by Calculation

Al-Mughni

Book of Divorce

Book 39 · Issue 5 · Bab 3

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If an unjust ruler forces someone to swear, 'So-and-so does not have a trust with you,' the person may swear, saying, 'So-and-so does not have a trust with me,' while intending by the word 'the' (which refers to a specific trust) to negate the specific trust in question, thereby being absolved of his oath.

Supporting text

This principle also applies if a wife is forced to swear regarding theft; she can state, 'What you stole from me is not what you stole from me,' intending the specific stolen property.