Moreover, Allah, exalted is He, has set a woman’s testimony at half that of a man’s in several rulings: first, in this matter; second, in inheritance; third, in blood-money; fourth, in the ʿaqīqah sacrifice for a newborn; and fifth, in the emancipation of slaves.

He has also explained the reason, saying, “so that if one of them should err, the other can remind her” (Q 2:282)—that is, she reminds her companion if she forgets, because her memory is comparatively weaker; hence a single woman does not stand in the place of a man. Yet to reject women’s testimony altogether would squander many rights and suspend their enforcement. The Lawgiver therefore paired her with another woman so that, should she forget, the other may remind her; thus the testimony of two women is accorded the weight of one man.

In financial cases, and in whatever ultimately aims at property, the testimony of a single man together with the plaintiff’s oath is likewise admissible. Ibn ʿAbbās reported: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ gave judgment on the basis of an oath together with one witness,” related by Aḥmad and others.

Imam Aḥmad, d. 241 AH, said, “The Sunnah has established that judgment may be rendered with an oath alongside one witness.”

Ibn al-Qayyim remarked, “This does not contradict the Prophet’s ﷺ statement, ‘The oath rests with the defendant,’ for that applies only when the plaintiff has nothing beyond a bare claim; judgment is not given on the basis of a mere allegation. But if his side is strengthened by a witness, circumstantial evidence (luwth), or anything similar…"