Does a captive Muslim held by non-believers inherit?

Chapter on Distant Kindred (Dhawu al-Arham)

Al-Mughni

Book of Inheritance Shares (Farā'id)

Book 32 · Issue 1 · Bab 5

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The captive Muslim whose life is known inherits. This is the position held by the majority of jurists. The evidence for this is that non-believers do not gain ownership over free individuals through subjugation, thus the captive retains his freedom and is entitled to inherit, similar to a free man.

Supporting text

Sa'id ibn al-Musayyab held the view that the captive does not inherit because he is considered a slave. This view is deemed incorrect.