What is the ruling when a son acknowledges a brother, then denies that acknowledgment, and subsequently acknowledges another brother?
Chapter on Distant Kindred (Dhawu al-Arham)
Al-Mughni
Book of Inheritance Shares (Farā'id)
Primary text
If a person leaves behind a son, and this son acknowledges a brother, then denies the acknowledgment, the denial is not accepted. The son must give half of what he possesses to the acknowledged brother. If, after the denial, the son acknowledges a second brother, it is possible that nothing is due to the second brother because there is no surplus in his possession beyond his own inheritance share. This view is held by Ibn Abi Layla. If the son had not given anything to the first brother upon his initial acknowledgment, the son remains obligated to give half of what he currently possesses to the first brother, and nothing is due to the second brother.
Supporting text
It is also considered that the son must give the remaining half entirely to the second brother because he caused the first brother to lose his right. This is the position of Zufar and some Basrans. Another possibility is that the son must give one-third of what he holds to the second brother, as this represents the surplus in his hand assuming there were three heirs, making it equivalent to acknowledging the second brother without the denial of the first. This is one position among the companions of Shafi'i.