and all those who attended his gatherings. However, if a witness fails to give his testimony in its proper form because some of it has slipped his memory, his entire testimony is rejected by consensus. Success is granted by Allah.

Section
The Categories of Testimony

Testimony falls into four categories. The first establishes the matter attested to without an oath. The second establishes it together with an oath. The third does not establish the matter attested to, but does entail a legal ruling. The fourth establishes nothing.

Section

Testimony that establishes the matter attested to without certainty falls into seven categories:

First: four witnesses to unlawful sexual intercourse.

Second: two witnesses in other matters.

Third: one male witness and two women in financial matters.

Fourth: the testimony of two women concerning matters to which men have no access, such as defects, a newborn’s first cry, and similar matters.

Fifth: testimony based on hearsay in matters where scholars have permitted such testimony without restriction.

Sixth: a single witness in matters where adjudication begins with an inquiry, and where he is conveying knowledge he possesses.

Seventh: the testimony of children in matters where their testimony is admissible.

Section

Testimony that establishes the matter attested to together with an oath falls into five categories:

First: one upright male witness and two upright women in financial matters.