Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 23331 — A man who cites the judge or governor

Al-Sha'bi (may Allah have mercy on him) was asked about a man whose money was owed by another man. He presented two witnesses, and then sought a judgment from one of the two witnesses? Al-Sha'bi (may Allah have mercy on him) said: A man came to Shurayh (may Allah have mercy on him) with a dispute while I was sitting with him. Then the other man came with one witness, and he said to Shurayh (may Allah have mercy on him): You testify in my favour. Shurayh (may Allah have mercy on him) said: Go to the Amir, so that I may testify (that is, then I will not be the judge or arbiter).