What is the ruling regarding the manumission of a registered (Mukatab) slave for Kaffarah?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Expiations
Primary text
There are three narrations concerning whether the manumission of a Mukatab slave suffices for expiation. The first narration, chosen by Abu Bakr and attributed to Abu Thawr, states it suffices absolutely because a Mukatab is a slave whose sale is permissible, and his manumission is valid, similar to a Mudabbir (a slave willed to be free upon the master's death). Furthermore, he falls under the general wording: 'Then the freeing of a neck' [Quran 4:92]. The second narration states it never suffices. This is the position of Malik, Al-Shafi'i, and Abu 'Ubayd, because his manumission is necessitated by another reason (the contract of writing, kitaba), and he cannot invalidate his contract, resembling the Umm Walad.
Supporting text
The third narration states that if the Mukatab has paid any portion of his stipulated amount, the manumission does not suffice; otherwise, it suffices. This view is held by Al-Layth, Al-Awza'i, Ishaq, and the Ahl al-Ra'y. Al-Qadi states this third narration is the correct one, arguing that if part payment is made, compensation has been obtained for part of him, preventing sufficiency, similar to freeing part of a slave. If no payment is made, a complete, sound, fully owned slave is freed without prior compensation, thus it suffices, like a Mudabbir.