What is the required number of witnesses for establishing insolvency (*I'sar*)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Testimonies
Primary text
A narration from Ahmad regarding insolvency suggests it is established only by three witnesses, based on the Hadith of Qubaysah ibn al-Mukhariq, which specifies, "until three men of understanding from his people testify that so-and-so has been afflicted with destitution." Ahmad appears to have adopted this ruling, stating the Hadith came this way.
Supporting text
A separate narration from Ahmad indicates that a claim of having made a will (*wasiyyah*) is established by the testimony of two men or one just man. Another report states that if a man makes a will and only women are present, the testimony of women is accepted. However, the established position (*Madhhab*) according to Al-Qadi is that all such matters require two witnesses, and the Hadith of Qubaysah pertains to resolving a problem (*mas'alah*), not establishing insolvency itself.