Does manumitting a slave count as fulfillment of the *Kaffarah* of an oath if the original slave was purchased under the condition of future manumission for expiation?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Expiations
Primary text
Manumitting a slave does not count as fulfilling the *Kaffarah* of an oath if the slave was purchased under the condition that they would be freed for that specific expiation. This is the established position of Al-Shafi'i and is supported by the narration attributed to Ma'qal ibn Yasar.
Supporting text
The reasoning is that when the slave is bought under such a condition, it is presumed the seller reduced the price due to this stipulation, meaning the buyer effectively received compensation for the intended manumission. Ahmad stated that if the required slave possession (*Raqaba*) is not sound (i.e., already subject to another claim or purpose), it is not valid. Since freeing the slave is due to another cause (the condition), it is invalid, similar to purchasing a relative with the intention of freeing them for *Kaffarah*, or saying 'If you enter the house, you are free,' and then intending the *Kaffarah* upon entry.