What is the ruling if one claimant retracts paternity after it was established?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Wounds

Book 47 · Issue 4 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If one claimant retracts his claim, his retraction is valid, and paternity is established for the other claimant. Retraction by one does not invalidate the lineage established by the other. Retribution (*qisas*) is dropped for the claimant who did not retract, but it is incumbent upon the retracting claimant due to his being a partner in the killing. If he is pardoned for the killing, he owes half the blood money (*diyah*).