With Love to Muhammad (sa) - The Khatam-un-Nabiyyin — Page 244
244 With Love to Muhammad sa the Kh ā tam-un-Nabiyy ī n person incurring the liability be of low understanding or be weak or be unable himself to dictate, then let someone who can watch his interest dictate with justice. And call two witnesses from among your men ; and if two men be not available, then a man and two women, of such as you like as witnesses , so that if either of two women should err in memory, then one may remind the other. And the witnesses should not refuse when they are called. And do not feel weary of writing it down, whether it be small or large, along with its appointed time of payment. This is more equitable in the sight of All ā h and makes testimony surer and is more likely to keep you away from doubts; therefore omit not to write except that it be ready merchandise which you give or take from hand to hand, in which case it shall be no sin for you that you write it not. And have witnesses when you sell one to another; and let no harm be done to the scribe or the witness. And if you do that, then certainly it shall be disobedience on your part. And fear All ā h. And All ā h grants you knowledge and All ā h knows all things well. 234 A single verse of the Holy Qur’ ā n uses the word shah ī d/shuhad ā ’ several times and every time , Mr. Ghul ā m Far ī d has translated it as “witness. ” Further proof that the word shah ī d does in fact mean “witness” in the Holy Qur’ ā n is found in the following verse: 234 S ū rah Al-Baqarah, 2:283