Is it permissible to free a slave (*رقبة*) using funds designated for Zakat?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Deposits
Primary text
It is permissible to use Zakat funds for the purpose of freeing a slave. This is the position adopted by Ibn Abbas, Al-Hasan, Al-Zuhri, Malik, Ishaq, Abu Ubayd, Al-Anbari, Abu Thawr, and one narration from Ahmad. The evidence cited is the general statement of Allah Almighty: {And concerning the freeing of slaves} (Quran 9:60), which encompasses the captive slave (*qinn*), and the term 'slave' when used absolutely refers to the captive. It is also reasoned that since Zakat can be used for *kitabah* (manumission by installments), it should be permissible for direct manumission as well.
Supporting text
A second narration from Ahmad, supported by Ibrahim and Al-Shafi'i, states that it is not permissible. They argue that the verse implies paying Zakat to the slaves themselves, similar to how {in the cause of Allah} (Quran 2:154) refers specifically to fighters. Ahmad later expressed hesitation concerning direct manumission from Zakat due to the issue of inheriting the *walaa* (patronage rights), suggesting it is safer to use Zakat funds to purchase the slave and then use other wealth for the manumission. Abu Hanifa and his companions concur, viewing direct manumission as an indirect benefit to the Zakat payer through acquiring *walaa*.