What is the religious ruling regarding the performance of testimony (Shahādah)?

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The performance of testimony is generally a communal obligation (Fard Kifāyah). It becomes an individual obligation upon a specific person if no one else sufficient to bear it is available. If two others perform it, the obligation is lifted from him. If the judge accepts the testimony, and a group undertook to give it, then performing it is obligatory upon all of them; if they refuse, they all sin, similar to other communal obligations. The obligation is supported by the verse: 'And do not conceal the testimony, for whoever conceals it, indeed his heart is sinful' (Quran 2:283), and 'O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allāh, witnesses in justice, and let not the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness' (Quran 5:8), and 'O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allāh as just witnesses, and do not let the aversion of a people incite you to iniquity. Be just: that is nearer to piety' (Quran 5:8). Furthermore, testimony is a trust (Amānah), obligating its fulfillment upon request, like a deposit, supported by the verse: 'Indeed, Allāh commands that you return trusts to their owners' (Quran 4:58).