Volume 6, Book 60, Number 74:
Narrated Ibn Abu Mulaika:
Two women were stitching shoes in a house or a room. Then one of them came out with an awl
driven into her hand, and she sued the other for it. The case was brought before Ibn ‘Abbas, Ibn ‘Ab –
bas said, “Allah’s Apostle said, ‘If people were to be given what they claim (without proving their
claim) the life and property of the nation would be lost.’ Will you remind her (i.e. the defendant), of
Allah and recite before her:–“Verily! Those who purchase a small gain at the cost of Allah’s Coven –
ant and their oaths…”(3.77)
So they reminded her and she confessed. Ibn ‘Abbas then said, “The Prophet said, ‘The oath is to be
taken by the defendant (in the absence of any proof against him).”