What is the ruling if a master tells his slave, 'You are free on the condition that you serve me for a year'?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Manumission
Primary text
If the slave accepts, he is manumitted immediately, and the obligation to serve for one year is established. If the master dies before the year is completed, the slave is liable to the estate for the value of the remaining service. This is the opinion of Al-Shafi'i.
Supporting text
There are two narrations regarding this, similar to the case involving monetary consideration. Another narration states that if the slave does not accept, he is not manumitted. Abu Hanifa holds that the value of the slave is apportioned across the year of service; the portion corresponding to the time already served is considered fulfilled, and the estate inherits the right to the remaining value of the slave.