What constitutes an ambiguous verbal formulation (kinayah) for emancipation?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Manumission
Primary text
Ambiguous formulations for emancipation include phrases such as 'La sabeela li 'alayka' (I have no claim over you), 'wa la sultana li 'alayka' (and I have no authority over you), 'wa anta sa'ibah' (and you are set loose), 'wa idhhab haythu shi'ta' (and go where you wish), and 'wa qad khallaytuka' (and I have left you alone). These function as ambiguous statements, and emancipation occurs through them only if the speaker specifically intended emancipation by them, as they are not restricted by revealed texts, Sunnah, or conventional usage solely to mean emancipation.
Supporting text
There are two narrations concerning 'La sabeela li 'alayka' and 'wa la sultana li 'alayka': one states they are explicit, and the other, which is held to be correct, states they are ambiguous. Furthermore, saying 'La rrqqa li 'alayka wa la milka li 'alayka, wa Anta Lillah' (There is no bondage nor ownership over you, and you are for Allah) is considered explicit according to Al-Qadi, a position affirmed by Ahmad. However, Abu al-Khattab noted two narrations regarding this phrase.