What is done with the property of an apostate?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of the Apostate
Primary text
The property of an apostate must be taken and placed under the custody of a trustworthy Muslim. If the apostate possesses female slaves (*imā'), they must be placed with a trustworthy woman because they are unlawful (mahram) for the apostate, making physical access impossible. The judge may rent out his real estate and slaves, but the preferred opinion is against doing so because the waiting period for his return to Islam is short. Engaging in actions like renting might cause loss if he returns, as transactions conducted by a judge on his behalf would then be invalid for him.
Supporting text
If the apostate joins the abode of war (Dar al-Harb) or his killing is delayed for a long time, the judge may take actions deemed beneficial, such as selling animals requiring maintenance and renting out property that should be preserved. A contract of manumission (mukatab) completed by the slave through payment to the judge results in freedom because the judge acts as his representative.