If an admission of slavery is accepted, what are the legal consequences regarding obligations and property rights?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Foundlings
Primary text
If the admission of slavery is accepted, the individual's legal status becomes that of a slave concerning obligations upon him (*ma 'alayhi*), but not concerning his property (*māl*). This is the view of Abu Hanifa and Al-Muzani, and one position attributed to Al-Shafi'i. This is reasoned by accepting what incurs liability upon him without accepting what secures rights for him, analogous to acknowledging a debt while mentioning collateral held by the creditor.
Supporting text
Alternatively, it is held that the admission of slavery is accepted for all matters, both obligations and property rights. This reasoning suggests that if the liability is established by his statement, his entitlement must also be established, similar to how testimony regarding childbirth establishes lineage as a consequence.