What are the differing views among Al-Shafi'i's school regarding a sick person purchasing someone they must free?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Bequests

Book 31 · Issue 4 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Some Al-Shafi'i followers hold that if the value is covered by the third, the person is freed, and inheritance occurs, as the manumission is not a bequest. Others argue that the person is freed, but the sick person does not inherit, because inheritance would render the manumission a bequest to an heir, invalidating both the bequest and the inheritance, making invalidating the inheritance the preferable outcome.

Supporting text

Another view within Al-Shafi'i's school suggests the purchase itself is void because the price paid acts as a bequest, which requires being covered by the third or ratified by the heirs; a sale cannot be suspended or conditional in this manner.