Distribution to women and slaves (raiding participants but not primary combatants)?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Jihad

Book 54 · Issue 14 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Women and slaves are given something from the spoils as a consolation gift (radkh), not a full share. The amount is determined by the Imam's discretion; he may equalize or differentiate among them. This is the view of the majority, including Sa'id ibn al-Musayyab, Malik, Al-Thawri, Al-Layth, Al-Shafi'i, and Ishaq, and it is narrated from Ibn Abbas. The evidence for giving them only a consolation gift is based on narrations that the Prophet (peace be upon him) gave them provisions from spoils, but not full shares, as they are not qualified for fighting.

Supporting text

Abu Thawr narrates that slaves are given a share, as narrated from the opening of Al-Qadisiyyah where slaves were given shares. Al-Awza'i stated that slaves receive nothing unless they bring spoils or have a significant contribution warranting consolation. Al-Shafi'i holds that women receive shares, citing narrations regarding Khaybar and Uhud, but the preferred view is that these narrations imply consolation gifts being termed 'shares' or refer to specific allowances like dates or provisions.