What is the ruling if a man who is permitted to marry female slaves converts, and one slave converts with him?
Chapter on Marriage of Polytheists
Al-Mughni
Book of Marriage
Primary text
If a man, for whom marriage to female slaves is permissible, converts, and one of his slaves converts with him, he may choose the one who converted with him, as he would have the right to choose her had they all converted. He may also wait for the others to convert as he has a valid interest in potentially finding one among them who is better suited to him. If he waits and their waiting period (iddah) expires without their conversion, the marriage to the one who converted becomes binding, and the marriage to the others is dissolved due to religious divergence.
Supporting text
If the remaining slaves convert during her waiting period, he chooses one, and the marriages to the rest are dissolved at the time of the choice. If only some convert, those who did not convert have their marriages dissolved from the time of religious difference, and the matter with the others depends on his choice. If he chooses the one who converted with him immediately, the bond with the others is severed, and her marriage is confirmed. If he divorces the one who converted with him, she is divorced, and this constitutes choosing her. However, if he chooses the annulment (faskh) of her marriage, he cannot do so, because the remaining slaves had not converted with him, meaning the number exceeds what he is permitted to retain in that state.