What is the legal definition of Umm Walad (Mother of a Child)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Freeing Mothers of Children
Primary text
Umm Walad is defined as a female slave who has borne a child to her master while she remains his property. Permissibility of concubinage and sexual relations with female slaves is established without dispute. The evidence for this ruling is derived from the saying of Allah the Almighty, "And those who guard their private parts, Except from their wives or those whom their right hands possess, for indeed, they are not to be blamed" (Quran 5:5-6). Historical precedent confirms this status: Maria al-Qibtiyya was the Prophet Muhammad's Umm Walad and the mother of his son Ibrahim, regarding whom the Prophet said, "Her child shall set her free." Hajar was the mother of Isma'il, peace be upon him, to Ibrahim, the intimate friend of the Most Merciful. Many Companions, including Umar ibn al-Khattab and Ali ibn Abi Talib, possessed Umm Walad. Furthermore, Ali ibn al-Husayn, Al-Qasim ibn Muhammad, and Salim ibn Abdullah all had mothers of their children from this category.
Supporting text
It is reported that people did not desire Umm Walad until these three individuals—Ali ibn al-Husayn, Al-Qasim ibn Muhammad, and Salim ibn Abdullah—had sons born from them, which subsequently led to increased desire for them.