What is the ruling when a claimant alleges a debt or right, and the defendant claims the claimant has absolved them (Ibra') or fully received payment (Istifa')?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Judicial Rulings

Book 64 · Issue 1 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The statement of the one denying the absolution or fulfillment is accepted, contingent upon their oath. The required oath is to swear by Allah that the right, specified clearly so as to be known, has neither been absolved nor has the claimant taken its equivalent, or that the defendant's liability concerning that right has not been discharged in whole or in part.

Supporting text

If the defendant claims fulfillment or absolution through a specific, known manner, the oath is limited solely to affirming that specific manner.