What is the ruling if a slave claims his master freed him, the master denies it, but subsequent definitive evidence proves the manumission?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Manumission
Primary text
If a slave claims his master freed him, the master denies it, but definitive evidence proves the manumission, the slave is freed. No Wala' is established for anyone in this situation because no one claims it, and a right that is denied cannot be established.
Supporting text
If the one whose manumission was established later returns and acknowledges it, the Wala' is established for him because no one else has a claim and the right was previously unestablished due to his denial; thus, the acknowledgment removes the denial and establishes the right.