What is the ruling on the confession of a Mukatab (a slave contracted for manumission)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Acknowledgment of Rights
Primary text
A Mukatab has the same legal standing as a free person regarding the validity of his confession. If he confesses to an injury resulting in accidental liability, his confession is valid; if he is unable to pay, he is sold for it unless his master benefits, or he is made to work toward his manumission according to Abu Hanifa. If he is unable to pay, his confession is voided, according to Abu Hanifa. The preferred view is that his confession remains binding, as it is a liability undertaken within his contract of manumission, similar to confessing a debt.
Supporting text
There is another narration from Ahmad that the ruling is deferred: if he pays, it is binding, and if he is unable, the confession is voided. The argument for validity is that the Mukatab is considered in possession of himself, making his confession regarding injury valid like that of a free person.