What is the legal status of a female slave if her owner fathers a child by her?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Freeing Mothers of Children

Book 69 · Issue 2 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If the owner fathers a child by his female slave, she becomes an 'Umm Walad' (mother of his child). This status arises because he initiated conception while she was his property. Upon his death, she is automatically manumitted. Furthermore, any child born from her after this point, even if conceived by another husband, inherits the legal status of the mother, meaning they are free.