Does the phrase 'You are free however you wish' necessitate immediate emancipation?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Manumission

Book 66 · Issue 3 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

One opinion holds that immediate emancipation occurs because the phrase 'however' (*kayfa*) does not inherently imply a condition, time limit, or place, thus not requiring a suspension of freedom; it describes the manner in which freedom is willed.

Supporting text

The opposing view, held by Abu Yusuf and Muhammad, maintains that emancipation does not occur until the slave expresses his wish, as the term 'wish' implies choice, similar to the case where the master says 'whenever you wish.'