What is the status of the enslaved women of Bani Hanifa in relation to prior conversion?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of the Apostate

Book 50 · Issue 5 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

It is not established that those enslaved from Bani Hanifa were presented with the choice of Islam beforehand. Not all of Bani Hanifa had embraced Islam; only some did, and it appears the ones who converted were men. Among those who remained firm in Islam was Thamama ibn Uthal, while others, like the Musaylimah claimant, apostatized. This context distinguishes their status from that of a fully accountable Muslim woman who subsequently commits apostasy.