What is the legal status of an Umm Walad (a female slave who has borne her master a child)?
Chapter on Distant Kindred (Dhawu al-Arham)
Al-Mughni
Book of Inheritance Shares (Farā'id)
Primary text
The Umm Walad is legally considered a slave (*mamlooka*). Her master is permitted to have sexual relations with her by virtue of ownership, and he may marry her off or rent her services out. Her ruling is the same as that of a female slave in all her legal capacities, except in matters pertaining to the transfer of ownership or things that require transfer of ownership, such as using her as collateral for a mortgage.