What is the ruling for a man who converts while having four female slaves, lacking means (tūl) but fearing sin (ʻanant), and they all convert with him?
Chapter on Marriage of Polytheists
Al-Mughni
Book of Marriage
Primary text
If the master converts while being poor and fearing sin, and his four female slaves convert with him, he may choose one of them. In one narration, if only one suffices to preserve his chastity, he chooses her; in another narration, he chooses only one regardless. This position aligns with the Madhhab of Shafi'i. If both conditions (lacking means and fearing sin) are absent, the marriage dissolves concerning all of them, and he has no choice.
Supporting text
Abu Thur held that he retains the right to choose, viewing the situation as a continuation (istidāmah) of the contract, not a new initiation, evidenced by the non-requirement of new contract stipulations, thus resembling a revocable return (raj'ah).