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Is the testimony of a hired person for their employer, or of anyone in the position of a subordinate and superior, accepted against another person in cases of hudud, ta'zir, or other matters? And is this hired person considered in the ruling of a dependent of the household?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The expressions of the scholars vary in their interpretation of the "Qaniʿ" (dependent person) whose testimony is rejected. It has been said that he is the beggar, or the one who seeks food, or the one who devotes himself to people for their service, like a hired worker (ajīr) or an agent (wakīl). His testimony is rejected due to the suspicion of him drawing benefit to himself. Some scholars say that the testimony of a private hired worker (ajīr khāṣṣ) is not accepted in favor of his employer, because his benefits are fully consumed (by the employment). Some have pointed out that there is a difference of opinion regarding the acceptance of the testimony of the Qaniʿ and the ajīr, and that the fundamental principle is that a Muslim is considered just (ʿādil). The testimony of the ajīr and the Qaniʿ is rejected by those who reject it due to the presence of suspicion.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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