What is the legal ruling concerning reconciliation when either party knows they are lying or wrong?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Settlement
Primary text
If the claimant knows his claim is false, whatever he takes is illicit gain (akl mal bil-batil) achieved through falsehood, oppression, and a void claim, making it unlawful. If the claimant is truthful and the defendant knows the right is established but denies it to reduce the claim or appease the claimant, this is considered an infringement upon the right and an illicit acquisition of wealth, rendering the reconciliation void and unlawful in the internal reality. The formal ruling remains validity based on appearances, as the external reality of a Muslim is presumed sound.
Supporting text
This scenario aligns with what Al-Khiraqi stated: "And if he knows what is upon him, yet denies it, the reconciliation is void," referring to the underlying truth, while the apparent validity rests upon the external presumption of integrity among Muslims.