What is the ruling on lineage when more than two men claim paternity for a child?
Chapter on Sharing in Purity
Al-Mughni
Book of Inheritance Shares (Farā'id)
Primary text
If more than two men claim paternity and *Qafah* attributes the lineage to them, the lineage is established. Ahmad explicitly stated that lineage can be established for up to three individuals, implying that if the *Qafah* agrees, lineage may be established for even more claimants.
Supporting text
Al-Qadi ruled that lineage cannot be established for more than three individuals. This is the view of Muhammad ibn al-Hasan, and it is narrated from Abu Yusuf. Ibn Hamid stated that lineage cannot be established for more than two. This is also narrated from Abu Yusuf.