Is payment made by one *Muktib* (contracted slave) on behalf of another *Muktib* without the master's knowledge valid?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Mukātaba (Contractual Manumission)
Primary text
Payment made by one contracted slave on behalf of his counterpart, or on behalf of another contracted slave, before the debt for which he is obligated becomes due, and without the knowledge of his master, is not valid. This is because such payment constitutes a voluntary gift (*tabarru'*) for which the slave lacks the authority to give without his master's permission. If a scheduled installment (*najm*) was already due, the payment must be applied to that due installment. If no installment was due, the paying slave has the right to retract that payment. This ruling aligns with the position of Al-Shafi'i.
Supporting text
If the master becomes aware of the payment and consents to accepting it on behalf of the other party, the payment becomes valid. This consent, made with knowledge of the act, serves as implicit authorization, rendering the act permissible, just as explicit authorization would. If the payment occurs after the paying slave has gained his freedom (*'itq*), the payment is valid regardless of whether the master knew or consented.