Is absolution valid if the contract specifies payment in one currency (e.g., dinars) and the master pardons an equivalent value in a different currency (e.g., dirhams)?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Mukātaba (Contractual Manumission)

Book 68 · Issue 3 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Absolution is invalid if the contract required dinars and the master pardoned dirhams, or vice versa, because the master absolved him of something not legally owed, unless the intent was to pardon an equivalent value owed in general.

Supporting text

If a dispute arises where the Mukatab claims he intended the pardon to apply to the value, but the master claims he believed the specific currency was owed, the statement of the master is accepted, provided he swears an oath, because the master admits his own prior intention.