What is the ruling if a man who converts was capable of providing the required dower (tūl) but became poor before his slaves converted, and then they convert?
Chapter on Marriage of Polytheists
Al-Mughni
Book of Marriage
Primary text
If a man converts while possessing the means (mūsir) but becomes poor (muʻsir) before his slaves convert, and then they convert, he has the right to choose among them. The prerequisites for marriage are considered at the time of choosing, which is when they all embrace Islam together. At that time, he was poor and feared sin, thus granting him the right to choose.
Supporting text
If a man converts while poor and becomes wealthy (mūsir) before they convert, he loses the right to choose. Furthermore, if one slave converts while he is wealthy, and the remainder convert after he becomes poor, he loses the right to choose anything because the time for choice was established upon the conversion of the first slave. If the first converts while he is poor, but the remainder convert after he becomes wealthy, the marriage to the first slave is confirmed, and he cannot choose from the remainder because the first met him in a state where initiating marriage with her was permissible.