An oath on the Quran is so firmly binding and the fear of perjury is so strong in the mind of the Moro that oaths are generally taken and are always regarded as sufficient confirmation even in the absence of evidence. The Moros are not strict nor just in the execution of the law. The laws relating to murder, adultery, and inheritance are seldom strictly complied with. Indeed, the laws of inheritance as given in the Luwaran are generally disregarded and are seldom considered at all. Mohammedan law does not recognize classes, except the slave class. But Moro law is not applied equally to all classes. Great preference is shown the datu class, and little consideration is given to the children of concubines. The Luwaran, nevertheless, is the recognized law of the land and compliance with it is a virtue. TRANSLATION OF THE LUWARAN, THE MAGINDANAO CODE OF LAWS In the name of God the Compassionate and Merciful, praise be to God, who led us to the faith and religion of Islam. May God's blessing be with our master Mohammed and with all his people and followers. The following articles are taken from the Minhaj and Fathu-l-Qareeb and Taqreebu-l-Intifa and Mir-atu-t-Tullab and have been translated from the Arabic into the Java (Malay) dialect of Mindanao, the land of peace: Article I If two people disagree as to the ownership of a certain property, the actual possessor has the right to the property if he swears to that effect. In case both of them are in actual possession of the property, both ought to swear. If both of them swear to that effect, the property shall be divided between them equally. If only one person swears, the property shall be given to that person alone. Article II If a person borrows an article and loses it, he shall replace it or pay its value. The same rule shall apply in case the article is stolen. There shall also be paid a reasonable additional compensation for the lost article. Article III If a person borrows an ax or a button, and the ax is broken or the button lost while being used for the purpose for which it was loaned, and not on account of carelessness, the lost article shall not be replaced. But if the ax is used at a place overhanging the water or is used to cut a stock of bamboo without being well tied or fastened, and is lost, it shall then be replaced. Article IV If two persons disagree as to whether or not a certain debt has been paid and have no witness to the fact, the plaintiff's claim shall be sustained in case he confirms it by an oath. In case he refuses to take an oath the defendant's claim shall be sustained. Article V If a person intrusts another with his property and later calls for it and it is denied him on the plea that it has been taken back or that it was lost, and no witness can be obtained, the trustee's plea shall be sustained if he confirms it by oath. Article VI