What is the ruling regarding the splitting of paired items whose separation diminishes their utility?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Usurpation
Primary text
If two items that require being kept together, such as a pair of slippers or the two leaves of a door, are separated by the usurper, and one part is subsequently destroyed, the usurper must return the remaining part, pay the value of the destroyed part, and compensate for the diminution in value to the remaining part due to the separation.
Supporting text
A dissenting view suggests that the usurper is only liable for the value of the destroyed part while returning the remaining part, arguing that the loss to the remaining item is merely a loss of value, similar to depreciation due to market price changes, and not a direct damage caused by the usurper.