What is the ruling regarding the lineage of a child when *Qafah* analysis is absent, inconclusive, or conflicting?
Chapter on Sharing in Purity
Al-Mughni
Book of Inheritance Shares (Farā'id)
Primary text
If *Qafah* is absent, inconclusive, or if the two *Qafahs* (analysts) disagree on the lineage, Abu Bakr ruled that the lineage of the child is lost (*yatayya'u nasabuhu*), and no ruling follows from the choice, remaining unknown perpetually. This is the view of Malik. Ibn Hamid stated that the child should be left until maturity, at which point he affiliates himself with one of the claimants. This aligns with the new view of Al-Shafi'i.
Supporting text
The old view of Al-Shafi'i stated that the child should be left until discernment (*tamyiz*), around seven or eight years old, to affiliate with one claimant. Maintenance expenses are incumbent upon both parties until affiliation is made, after which the other party may recover the expenses paid. If two people claim a foundling (*laqit*), *Qafah* is consulted with them.