Must a container be broken to retrieve a usurped coin that fell into it?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Usurpation

Book 22 · Issue 1 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If a usurper places a dinar into another person's inkwell (*mihbarah*) either intentionally or accidentally, the inkwell must be broken to return the dinar, similar to dismantling a structure to return stolen bricks. This ruling applies equally if the object dropped is a dirham or something of lesser value. If the object fell into the container without the actor's deed, it must be broken to return the dinar if the owner desires it, and the one who caused the dropping is liable for the damage, as this action is for the recovery of their own wealth.