What is the ruling if the slave claiming fulfillment of his *kitaba* debt has no witness, and the master denies the claim?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Mukātaba (Contractual Manumission)
Primary text
The statement of the master is accepted, provided he takes an oath, because he is the denier of the obligation.
Supporting text
If the slave claims to have an absent, trustworthy witness, a period of three days is granted for the witness to appear. If the witness does not appear within that period, the master's oath prevails. If the witness appears subsequently and provides testimony, the slave's freedom is established.