or that it was lost before his denial, neither assertion is admissible, even if he brings witnesses. Such testimony is accepted only where, from the outset, he had said, “You do have something with me,” or when he makes the claim after the denial and substantiates it with evidence. If the owner’s heir alleges that the item was returned to him—or to his deceased relative—the claim is not accepted without proof.

If several people have jointly deposited a commodity that is measured by volume or weight, and one of them asks for his share of a portion that can be divided, he may take it. The custodian—as well as the muḍārib (investment manager), the pledgee, and the lessee—may all pursue anyone who has usurped the property.²