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As for the first topic—calling witnesses to establish rights in their various forms—one such matter is sales. Allah, exalted is He, has commanded that witnesses be called to them, saying:
“Call witnesses when you buy and sell.” [Al-Baqarah: 282]
The scholars differed over whether this is obligatory. Mālik, may Allah have mercy on him, and the majority of scholars hold that calling witnesses to a sale is recommended, not obligatory. The literalists held that it is obligatory. Their disagreement stems from their differing views on a command unaccompanied by contextual indicators: should it be understood as imposing an obligation, recommending an action, or granting permission? For no scholar disputes that a command may be intended to impose an obligation, as in His words:
“Believe in Allah and His Messenger.” [Al-Nisā: 136]
“Establish prayer and give zakah.” [Al-Baqarah: 43]
And other such verses. A command may also be intended as a recommendation, as in His words:
“Do good, so that you may prosper.” [Al-Hajj: 77]
And His words:
“If relatives, orphans, and the needy are present at the division of the inheritance, give them something from it and speak kindly to them.” [Al-Nisā: 8]
A command may also be intended to grant permission, as in His words:
“When the prayer has ended, disperse throughout the land.” [Al-Jumuʿah: 10]
And:
“When you have left the state of consecration, you may hunt.” [Al-Māʾidah: 2]
Thus, when a command occurs without contextual indicators pointing to obligation, recommendation, or permission, some scholars say it should be understood as granting permission; others, as recommending an action; and others, as imposing an obligation. Still others say that judgment should be suspended, and that it should be understood as neither recommendation nor obligation until evidence establishes its intended meaning. Each group has arguments supporting its position that would take too long to recount, and this is not the place to present them. Mālik, may Allah have mercy on him, held that it