Sharʿī Ruling on the Testimony of Slaves and Bondwomen
By: Imrān Ayyūb Lāhorī
The testimony of slaves and bondwomen is acceptable provided they are ʿādil (upright and just).
Anas (RA) said:
“Lishahādati al-ʿabdi jā’izah idhā kāna ʿadlan.”
“The testimony of a slave is valid if he is just.”
Similarly, Imām Shurayḥ (رحمه الله) and Zarārah ibn Awfā (رحمه الله) also declared the testimony of a slave valid. Imām Ibn Sīrīn (رحمه الله) said:
“Shahādatuhu jā’izah illā al-ʿabdu lisayyidihi.”
“His testimony is valid, except if a slave testifies in favor of his master, then it is not to be accepted.”
[al-Bukhārī, before ḥadīth: 2659, Kitāb al-Shahādāt: Bāb Shahādati al-Imā’ wa-al-ʿAbīd]
A ḥadīth also indicates that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ accepted the testimony of a bondwoman. In the narration it is stated:
“Fajā’at amatun sawdā’ faqālat qad arḍaʿtukumā.”
“A black bondwoman came and said: Indeed, I nursed both of you.”
The Prophet ﷺ accepted her testimony and consequently separated the two.
[al-Bukhārī: 2659, Kitāb al-Shahādāt: Bāb Shahādati al-Imā’ wa-al-ʿAbīd]
