Is the الولاء property that can be inherited in the same manner as material wealth?
Chapter on Inheritance of Wala'
Al-Mughni
Book of Walā' (Patronage)
Primary text
The الولاء is not inherited property that transfers upon death; rather, it is something inherited *through* it (a reason for inheritance). The الولاء remains permanently with the manumitter, as supported by the Hadith: "The الولاء belongs only to the one who freed [the slave]" and "The الولاء is a bond like the bond of lineage." Therefore, the closest paternal relatives ('Asabat) of the master inherit the master's wealth by virtue of the manumitter's الولاء, not the الولاء itself. The inheritance goes to the closest paternal relative to the master on the day the freed slave dies, just as the master's wealth would go to him if he had died at that time.
Supporting text
Shurayh held that the الولاء is like wealth and is inherited from the manumitter, meaning whoever possessed it during life passes it to his heirs. This view is also attributed to Omar, Ali, Ibn Abbas, and Ibn Al-Musayyib, and reportedly supported by Hanbal and Muhammad ibn Al-Hakam from Ahmad. This view is considered erroneous by the majority, which follows the established consensus of the Companions.