What are the master's options regarding a female slave who requests marriage?
Chapter on Maintenance of Slaves
Al-Mughni
Book of Maintenance (Nafaqāt)
Primary text
If the female slave requests marriage, the master has the choice between two options: either marrying her off or having sexual intercourse with her himself, thereby satisfying her needs through his enjoyment and obviating the need for another partner. This is because the primary purpose is satisfying desire and removing the harm of sexual urge, which is achieved by either action, so neither option is exclusively determined.