What is the ruling concerning the evidentiary strength of the narration from 'Amr ibn al-'As regarding the Iddah of the Umm Walad?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Waiting Periods ('Iddah)

Book 44 · Issue 6 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The narration from 'Amr ibn al-'As, stating the Iddah is four months and ten days, is considered weak. Ahmad and Abu 'Ubayd weakened it, and Ahmad explicitly stated that the narration is not sound, questioning where the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) is in that ruling, noting that four months and ten days is for a free woman in marriage, whereas this concerns a slave transitioning to freedom.

Supporting text

Those who hold that the Iddah is four months and ten days must consequently accept that she inherits from her master, which is disputed.