What is the underlying purpose of the command to witness sales?

Chapter on Selling the Musarrah (Animal with milk retained in udder)

Al-Mughni

Book of Sales

Book 12 · Issue 4 · Bab 5

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The intended purpose of the command to witness transactions, similar to commanding documentation (rahn) and writing, is to provide guidance for the preservation of wealth and instruction in commercial dealings, rather than imposing an obligation.