Is a marriage contract valid if stipulated upon the husband freeing the wife's father?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Dowry (Mahr)
Primary text
The marriage contract stipulated upon the husband freeing the wife's father is valid. Imam Ahmad explicitly stated this ruling. If the husband requests more than the father's market value for his freedom, or if he is unable to free him, the wife is due the father's monetary value in compensation. This opinion is held by Al-Sha'bi. The basis for this ruling is established by what was previously stated (referencing prior context not provided here).
Supporting text
If the husband procures the monetary value of the father while being capable of purchasing him, the wife is not obligated to accept this monetary compensation because this would cause her to lose the stipulated exchange for her father's freedom.