Chapter on the Acknowledgment of Debt by a Sick Person in Favor of an Heir

I asked Abu Abdullah (as), about a man who, while ill and in debt, acknowledged a right for one of his heirs. Imam (as) said: "It is permissible if what he acknowledged is less than one-third (of his wealth)."

'I asked Imam (as) about a man who acknowledges a debt to one of his heirs.' Imam (as) said: "It is permissible if he is solvent (financially capable)."

'I asked Abu Abdullah (as), about a man who, in his will, acknowledged a debt to one of his heirs.' Imam (as) said: "If the deceased was in a sound state of health, then give him what was bequeathed to him."

I asked Abu Abdullah (as), about a woman who entrusted a man with some wealth. When death approached her, she said to him, "The wealth I gave you belongs to so-and-so," and then the woman passed away. Her heirs came to the man and said: "Our relative had wealth, and we believe it is with you. Swear to us that you have nothing of hers." Should he swear to them? Imam (as) said: "If she was trustworthy in his view, then he should swear. But if she was suspect, then he should not swear and should leave the matter as it is. Indeed, she only has a right to one-third of her wealth."