Matters in which the testimony of women is valid

Al-Zuhri said: It is the established Sunnah that the testimony of women is valid in matters that men cannot see, such as women giving birth and women's physical defects. Regarding a newborn's breathing at birth (istihlal), the testimony of the midwife alone is valid, and in anything other than that, the testimony of two women.

Al-Sha'bi said: In matters where the testimony of men is not valid, the testimony of four women suffices.

And al-Hakam said: Two women suffice.

Ata said: The testimony of women regarding a newborn's breathing at birth (istihlal) is valid.

Amir said: There are some testimonies in which only the testimony of women can be valid.

Ibrahim, al-Hasan and al-Sha'bi said: In matters that men cannot see, the testimony of even a single woman suffices.

Yunus narrates from al-Hasan; his words are given together with those of Ibrahim and al-Sha'bi in the next report.

Ash'ath narrates from al-Sha'bi: They (Ibrahim, al-Hasan and al-Sha'bi) said: The testimony of a single woman is valid in matters that men cannot see.

Ata said: In matters where the testimony of men is not valid, the testimony of fewer than four women is not valid.

Shurayh accepted the testimony of a midwife as valid.

Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) accepted the testimony of a midwife as valid.

Hammad said: The testimony of a single midwife suffices; and one of them said: Even if she is a Jewish woman.

Al-Sha'bi said: There are some testimonies in which only the testimony of a woman can be valid.