If the sequence of shots is known, but the first hunter claims to have secured it while the second denies the first hunter's success, what is the ruling?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Hunting and Slaughter
Primary text
If the sequence is agreed upon, but the first hunter claims to have secured it before the second killed it, and the second denies the first's securing action, the statement of the second hunter is accepted because the presumption is the absence of securing the game. The game becomes unlawful for the first hunter because of their admission that it was rendered unlawful. The statement of the second hunter is accepted regarding the absence of securing the game, provided they take an oath.
Supporting text
If the nature of each wound is known, judgment is based upon that: If it is known that the first hunter's wound would not prevent securing the game (e.g., breaking a bird's wing or a gazelle's leg), the statement of the first hunter is accepted without an oath. If it is known that the wound would not prevent securing the game (e.g., merely scratching the skin), the statement of the second hunter is accepted. If the outcome is ambiguous, the statement of the second hunter is accepted because presumption favors them, and they must take an oath because what the first hunter claimed is merely a possibility.