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Reliable memory: the testimony of a simple-minded person or of someone notorious for frequent mistakes and lapses is not admissible.
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Islam: the testimony of a non-Muslim is inadmissible, even against another non-Muslim.
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Uprightness (ʿadālah), which rests on two pillars:
a. Religious integrity: performing the prescribed obligations together with their regular sunnahs, and avoiding the unlawful—that is, committing no major sin and not persisting in minor ones.
b. Observance of dignity (muruʾah): doing what enhances and adorns one’s character and refraining from whatever debases or disgraces it.
Accordingly, the testimony of a clown, dancer, conjurer, chess player, or the like is rejected, as is that of a person who stretches out his legs in public, exposes parts of his body that customarily remain covered, tells comedic stories, or eats in the marketplace—though a trivial morsel, such as a bite of bread or an apple, is excused.
Section
Whenever the requisite condition materializes—when the minor reaches puberty, the insane regains sanity, the unbeliever embraces Islam, or the flagrant sinner repents—the testimony is accepted forthwith.
Freedom is not a prerequisite; the testimony of a male or female slave is valid in every matter for which the testimony of a free man or woman is accepted.
Nor is it required that the person’s occupation be other than menial1, or that he be sighted; consequently, the testimony