Is it permissible to use Zakat funds for the emancipation of a slave?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Walā' (Patronage)
Primary text
There is a dispute regarding the permissibility of using Zakat funds for manumission. A position held by a number of scholars is that it is impermissible. This is because the freeing is not considered an obligation upon the individual in the same manner as expiation or vows. Furthermore, some scholars object because it results in the emancipator gaining the loyalty (*wala'*) from funds that originated as Zakat, which is considered an improper benefit derived from Zakat.
Supporting text
The opposing view, supported by Imam Ahmad (in one narration) and Al-Hasan, permits the freeing, suggesting that if the emancipator is set to inherit, the funds should be directed towards a similar expenditure, implying that freeing with Zakat is otherwise acceptable if not inheritance-related.