Is it obligatory for the public treasury (Bayt al-Mal) to provide paper for official records?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Judiciary
Primary text
It is necessary that a portion of the public treasury (Bayt al-Mal) be allocated for the paper used in writing minutes, records, and official documents. This expenditure is considered a public utility (maslaha) because it preserves documents, allows the judge to record his ruling, the witness to record his testimony, and facilitates recourse for those entitled to restitution. If the treasury cannot provide this, the official is not obligated to do so.
Supporting text
If the public treasury cannot furnish the paper, the official should inform the claimant that if they wish, they may provide the paper for the documentation of their right, as the resulting document will serve as evidence for them, but the official must not compel the claimant to provide it.