What is the ruling regarding judgment based on a single witness and an oath?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Testimonies

Book 63 · Issue 1 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The established Sunnah dictates that a judgment is passed based on one witness accompanied by the oath of the claimant. This view is held by Ahmad, Malik, and Al-Shafi'i. The evidence is rooted in the established tradition upon which rulings are made.

Supporting text

If the party against whom the claim is made refuses to take the oath when requested to do so, the obligation to swear falls upon the defendant (the one being sued). If the defendant refuses to swear when the claimant has fulfilled their part, the right is established against the defendant.